Research Catalog

Title

Polish-American folklore / Deborah Anders Silverman.

Author

Silverman, Deborah Anders, 1954-

Publication

Urbana : University of Illinois Press, ©2000.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

xii, 236 pages : illustrations; 24 cm.

Summary

"Integrating photographs, firsthand observations, and interviews against a backdrop of ethnic practices and traditions, Deborah Anders Silverman explores how Polish Americans are creatively adapting the rural peasant folklore of the old country to life in multicultural, urban America." "Silverman surveys rituals of courtship, marriage, coming of age, and funerals, also noting those customs that have been rediscovered after falling into disuse. She follows the trail of folk stories and delves into folk music and dance, particularly the polka, providing a detailed discussion of texts, contexts, and performance practices. She also describes birthing practices, home remedies, superstitions, folk blessings, and miracle cures. In addition, she offers a wealth of information on foodways and on the origins and celebration of holy days, from Christmas Eve vigils to the Dyngus Day festivals of the Easter season."--Jacket.

Series Statement

Folklore and society

Uniform Title

Folklore and society

Subject

• Polish Americans > Folklore
• Polish Americans > Social life and customs
• Polish Americans > Ethnic identity
• Polish Americans
• Brauch
• Ethnische Identität
• Polen Volk
• Volkskunde
• Américains d'origine polonaise > Folklore
• Américains d'origine polonaise > Moeurs et coutumes
• Américains d'origine polonaise > Identité collective
• USA
• USA
• Polen <Volksgruppe>

Genre/Form

Folklore.

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. [185]-228) and index.

Contents

Life in the old country and the mass migration to America -- "The old neighborhood isn't the same any more" : the evolution of Polish-American ethnicity -- Polish-American Easter celebrations -- The Christmas cycle and minor holidays -- Rites of passage : births and deaths in Polish-American communities -- Faith, love, and community : the Wesele (Wedding) in Polonia -- Spinning tales, weaving the fabric of identity : Polish-American narratives -- "Guardian angel, stay by my side": folk religion in Polonia -- The garden of healing : Polish-American folk medicine -- Polish folk songs : seeds of a new musical style -- An American original : the polka -- Reinventing the reel : Polish folk dances in Polonia -- Games people play : folk arts, crafts and recreation -- Pierogi, kielbasa, and other symbols of ethnicity : Polish-American foodways -- Anchors and passports to Polishness : public folklore in Polonia.

ISBN

• 0252025695
• 9780252025693

LCCN

99006985

OCLC

• ocm42454146
• 42454146
• SCSB-1137845

Owning Institutions

Princeton University Library