folk customs and festivals

HOMEFUN ON CUSTOMS AND FESTIVALS

Brunvand points out that although "customs are closely associated with superstitions," in that they "involve both verbal and nonverbal elements that are traditionally applied in specific circumstances," they "do not usually involve faith in the magical results of application." They are also transmitted verbally or through imitation, and they are maintained by "social pressure, common usage, and parental or other authority." Further, customs become "calendar customs" when associated with holidays, and when "celebrated annually they become festivals."

Rites of Passage Customs: bat mitzvah napkin
Briefly describe what customs, if any, occurred when:

You lost a tooth as a child
Someone you know had a child
You turned 21
You went steady
You began to menstruate
You began to shave
You attended a birthday party
Someone you know got married (there are before and after customs)

School Customs:
Briefly describe your participation in any of the following customs:

Unusual dress day at school
Club initiation
Signing of autograph book
"Tapping" or "Pinning"

Calendar Customs:
Briefly describe any customs you participated in on any of the following days: image of decorated pumpkin

St Patrick's Day
April Fool's
Easter
May Day
July 4th
Halloween
Christmas
New Year's
Valentine's
Ground Hog Day
Mother's or Father's day
Thanksgiving

Other Customs:
Briefly describe any customs you have participated in involving any of the following:

Hunting
Fishing
Slumber Party
Homecoming

Folk Festivals:
Briefly describe the events, purpose, and sights of a folk festival you attended (Mardi Gras, Weed Carnivale, Tule Lake Horseradish Festival, Burning Man Festival, Etna Rodeo, etc.).