December 1, 2003

St. Andreas Day- A little Hocus Pocus for the Lonely Hearts Club

Sunday was St. Andreas Day, a Polish holiday honoring, well, St. Andreas, I guess. In old times the young maidens would perform rituals on this day, asking the A-man to reveal to them what the future holds, particularly in matters of love and marriage and the cranking out of babies. These days dudes are welcome as well. We were invited to a St. Andreas Day party held by a large group of Polish people so that we could witness and participate in these traditions. Probably the most important ritual is the pouring melted wax through a key into cold water. The shape of the shadow cast onto a wall by the resulting blob is then analyzed to determine what the next year holds. I am pleased to report that next year I shall become a mouse flying on a magic carpet. Another game, in which needles are stuck through pieces of paper with names on them to reveal future spouses, indicated that I shall be wed to four women, two French, one Polish and I�m really not sure who that last girl was. Whether they are to be simultaneous or in succession remains unclear. Mikko was manning the camera for most of the night and these two photos were made by him.

Am�lie (France) pours the wax. Next year she will be wed to a piranha, by the look of it.

The group prepares to play another fortune-telling game in which objects representing future events are hidden under cups and each person chooses a cup and I'm sure you understand. Stay away from that rosery or you'll be gettin' thee to a nunnery!

Posted by The DNM at December 1, 2003 5:53 PM
Comments

Dave,
I get back from thanksgiving vacation, and what is awaiting me? Numerous interesting and entertaining posting from my german-residing friend.
If you do this too often I will get spoiled and expect frequent updates in the future.
And thanks to the Polish I have a new way to peer into my somewhat foggy uncertain future.
Later

Posted by: Clay at December 1, 2003 10:59 PM

YYYyyyyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeaaaahhhhh!!!!!! Dave is gonna marry two French girls!!!!!!!!! Party time!!!!!!... well no Dave, Good luck then...you may need some...

Merry St.Andreas Day dear Dave... Basile

Posted by: Basile at December 2, 2003 5:30 PM

You always were quite the lady's man. But geez Dave, four wives?? And you still think you're not having any kids? We'll see about that!

p.s. Julia is featuring a certain Mr. Waits on her radio show at this very moment. You're still here in spirit.

Posted by: Sage at December 4, 2003 1:19 AM