St. Andrew’s Eve (November 29th) is one of two main November occasions associated with fortune-telling, the other being St. Catherine’s Eve (November 24th). But the former is by far the more popular of the two and is still a common theme for late-autumn festivities (also on today’s pub and disco scene) in Poland and large Polonian concentrations such as Chicago, New York and Toronto. Parishes named after St.Andrew the Apostle would be ideally suited to celebrate the occasion with both patronal religious and parish-fete-type activities (odpust) as well as a Zabawa Andrzejkowa (St. Andrew’s Eve dinner-dance).
Wax-pouring: Each girl gets a turn pouring a portion ( perhaps 1/4 c) of molten beeswax into a basin of cold water. The wax immediately hardens into one shape of another. Either the shape itself or the shadow it casts when held up to a strong light is said to predict her matrimonial future. If it resembles something associated with a male, that is a good sign. The shape may even give some clue as to which (or what kind of male) it will be. The most traditional way is the pour the molten wax in a thin stream through the eye of large, old-fashion key which is said to unlock the future.
Shoe line: Have the interested eligible young ladies present take off their right shoe and place it in a pile near a wall. Some female (perishes someone not playing the game) is then asked to line the shoes up heel-to-toe pointing towards the nearest door. The one whose shoe clears the threshold is said to be the first to marry. She might therefore be awarded an appropriate prize, possibly something wifely and/or humorous like an apron or rolling-pin.
Shoe pile: In this version, the eligible young ladies’ right shoes are piled up in a heap.
The youngest girl present is blindfolded, turned round several times and pointed at the shoe pile. The first shoe she selects is that of the first girl headed for the altar.
Pot game: Each girl taking part is led individually to a series of pots, bowls or other non-translucent containers placed upside down on a table. Various objects said to predict the girl’s future are concealed under each of them.
For instance a ring (means imminent marriage), a baby toy (pregnancy), a rosary (becoming a nun), apron (housewife), a cake (abundance), book (spinster), money (career woman), wine glass (drunk), a piece of sod (death), etc. The first container the girl points to is said to reveal what the future holds in store.
Pillow game: The names of all eligible males in attendance are written down on small slips of paper, mixed up and placed beneath a pillow. Each of the eligible young ladies gets to pull one slip from under the pillow. The name she draws is her partner for the evening or at least for one dance. Variation: If a pillow is not available, the slips may be pulled out of a hat, box, bowl, etc.
Gypsy fortune-teller: A Gypsy fortune-teller predicting the future from the palm of someone’s hand, a crystal ball, Tarot cards or whatever could be an added attraction (and fund-raiser) at your Andrzejki social.
Cake jump: Cakes (these can be paczki, pierniczki, poppyseed cake, doughnuts, Danish, etc.) are suspended from the ceiling at a height above the participant’s head requiring her (or him) to jump to bite it. Those that succeed on the first try are the first ones believed to enter the holy estate of matrimony. Note: Since this can be a but messy, it would probably go over best among the young and casual rather than those in expensive evening wear.
Walnut boats: A little molten wax is poured into a walnut-shell half and into it is stuck a toothpick or wooden match-stick containing a tiny paper sail. These little boats are then floated in a washtub or large basin. If a girl’s boat touches a boys boat, well — the answer is obvious. Often participants help the boats reach their destination by blowing on them. This game is especially enjoyed by youngsters.
ROBERT STRYBEL, a native of Detroit, Michigan, received his Master’s Degree in Polish Language and Literature from the University of Wisconsin. He has taught Polish-related subjects at the secondary, college and adult-education levels and has spent many years working as the American Polonia’s correspondent in Warsaw. His articles currently appear in a dozen Polish-American publications. He and his Polish-born wife have one son (born 1972).