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Originally published in 1939
Some of this information may no longer be current and in that case is presented for historical interest only.
Edited by GET NJ, COPYRIGHT 2002
Among the Easter sunrise services, the one at Lakeview Memorial Park,
Burlington County, is especially impressive. This is conducted by the
Palmyra Moravian Church from a hillside altar overlooking a lake. To
the right of the altar stands a "singing tower" of chimes, and in the rear
is an immense cross brilliantly illuminated by lights of changing colors.
At the break of dawn, chorals are sung by a group attired in white surplices, accompanied by an ensemble of trumpets and trombones. The historic liturgy, which begins around 5 a.m., is attended by thousands.
In December at Atlantic City occurs the Eisteddfod, a six-day Festival
of Song that perpetuates an ancient Welsh custom derived from the triennial assembly of the Welsh bards and minstrels.
Hallowe'en, aside from State-wide jollification, still produces two unusual observances in Bergen County. The Welsh make a fire, and each
member of the gathering throws into it a white stone marked with his
name. He then retires for the night and looks for his stone in the morning. If he does not find it, he is marked for the grave within the year --
a superstition that may survive from ancient Druid beliefs. The Irish of
the same section have a much more cheery custom. Each family prepares
for the holiday supper a dish known as "caNcannon," a conglomerate of
onions, potatoes, and parsnips. Placed in the mass are a gold ring and a
key. Whoever finds in his portion
the key, meaning departure on a journey, will be recipient of good
luck. On Thanksgiving Day, masked and costumed children parade the
streets in Jersey City and its environs begging for pennies.
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