The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SLOVAK WEDDING

AMONG MANY TRADITIONAL SLOVAK GROUPS IN MINNESOTA,
A WEDDING IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT A PENNY DANCE.
IN THE PENNY DANCE THE BRIDE DANCES WITH VARIOUS
MEN WHILE OTHERS THROW COINS ON THE DANCE FLOOR.
THUS THE YOUNG COUPLE HAVE SOME FUNDS TO BEGIN
LIFE ON.

Submitter comment: IN MINNESOTA AMONG THE SLAVS THIS IS A COMMON
WEDDING CUSTOM. IT IS A TIME OF GOOD SPIRITS AND
GAIETY.

Where learned: MINNESOTA ; DULUTH

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POLTERABEND

THIS GERMAN CUSTOM CONSISTS OF FRIENDS OF A NEWLYWED
COUPLE THROWING POTTERY AGAINST THEIR HOUSE DOORWAY.
THE BELIEF IS THAT THIS WILL BRING GOOD LUCK TO THE
YOUNG COUPLE.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT WAS INFORMED OF THIS CUSTOM ON A RECENT
TRIP TO GERMANY.

Where learned: GERMANY ; MINNESOTA ; DULUTH

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IN GERMANY, TOUCHING OR SEEING A CHIMNEY SWEEP IS
CONSIDERED GOOD LUCK.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT WAS TOLD OF THIS GOOD LUCK BELIEF ON A RECENT
TRIP TO GERMANY.

Where learned: GERMANY ; MINNESOTA ; DULUTH

Date learned: 06-25-1969

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