Thomas Ciesla

Russian 13 

Collection Project

 

Ritualistic Lore                                                                                                                                                Myself

“Amsterdam Pancakes”                                                                                                                          Naperville, Illinois 

                                                                                                                                                            November 2020

Informant Data: 

Connor Centry was born in Idaho, but was raised in Holland for five years while growing up due to his father switching jobs. His father was a salesman for a large multinational food corporation. He is a sibling of four, two sisters and one brother. Connor is the oldest in his family. Connor is now 27 years old and works as a supply chain manager for a logistics company in Chicago.  

 

Contextual Data: 

Upon moving to Holland, the Centry family was weary of adopting any local traditions because they felt so foreign in their new home country. The family is very kind and social to their neighbors and friends alike. After buying a house in Holland, the Centry family was soon greeted by the neighborhood regulars. These neighbors would show the Centry different holiday and birthday traditions throughout the year. The birthday celebration on the 21st birthday was especially memorable for all the younger adults. 

 

Item:

On the 21st birthday of Connor, the neighbors all came over the night before and decorated a “birthday chair” with confetti and different colored paper. Written across the front was the words: “birthday boy.” Balloons were attached to the chair and the decorations were very colorful. On the day of Connor’s 21st, his neighbors made him “Amsterdam” pancakes topped with frosting and sprinkles. The neighbors went on to explain to Connor with enthusiasm why the 21st birthday is so special. It represents the “crown year,” which is a special milestone where the young adult is now allowed to be treated like royalty. The neighbors stayed for an hour or so and helped Connor celebrate with laughs and memories being shared about him.  

Connor Centry, 30                              

982 East Frontier Street, Aurora, Illinois 60562

 N/A

 Russ 013

Dartmouth College

                                                                                                                                                                          20F/2021