Where did the tradition come from and what should a sweep do at a wedding.
2007-03-11 09:47:17 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
A Lucky Sweep
There are many myths and traditions associated with chimney sweeps many of reasons for which are lost in the mists of time. One reason from folklore is that when on one occasion King George II's carriage horses bolted the only person to attempt to stop them was a small sooty figure of a man, a chimney sweep. It is considered extremely good luck, if on the journey to the Church you see a chimney sweep and even greater good luck if you saw the sweeps brush emerging out of the top of the chimney. So to this day to see a chimney sweep and receive the Kiss of Luck after the wedding ceremony is supposed to bring good fortune to the newly married couple.
Some Bride's and Groom's to ensure their good fortune will employ a real live sweep to be present on their Wedding Day as did Stephen Hendry The World Champion Snooker Player when he married. The film Mary Poppins had a sweep (Dick van Dyke) in as a good luck character.
Chim chim erny chim chim cheeri
A sweep is as lucky as lucky can be
Good luck will rub off if I shake hands with you.
2007-03-18 11:32:26 · answer #1 · answered by MariChelita 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A genuine working chimney sweep's appearance at a wedding signifies good luck
This follows a tradition that started about 200 years ago when a London Chimney Sweeper saved the live of King George III. The sweep had been the only person brave enough to stop the king's out of control horses and carriage.
By Royal Decree the King proclaimed that all sweeps are good luck bearers and should be treated with respect. The folk law was established and to this day Chimney Sweepers are still invited to attend weddings and kiss the bride for good luck.
2007-03-11 09:53:49 · answer #2 · answered by ~M~ 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
This custom began in England. It's suppose to be for good luck. Just as a sweep gets rid of all the bad stuff in chimneys, which means your home, he's suppose to take aways all the bad stuff in your new home.
2007-03-18 09:31:33 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Old tradition the blessing of the swepp on the Bride is supposed to bring good luck to the happy couple (I don't know fiddles around in Chimney's!!!)
2007-03-11 09:51:17 · answer #4 · answered by decrepid1958 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One reason seems to be that a sweep stopped George II's horses from bolting on one such occasion (see the link below) but they are supposed to kiss the bride and bring good luck
2007-03-11 10:05:17 · answer #5 · answered by JENNIFER 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sweeps are good luck because they clear out the waste and toxins accumulated in chimneys and fireplaces.
Sweeps are great singers, poets, and storytellers. Some are good musicians.
Feed your sweeps well, and make sure they have enough to drink, water as well as wine.
2007-03-11 09:51:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
it is a very old tradition it is lucky for the bride to be kissed by a chimney sweep
2007-03-17 05:05:02 · answer #7 · answered by Granny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's good luck to have a sweep at your wedding. You usually tip them.
They stand next to you for photos - they are black and dirty (covered in soot). It's equivalent to a clean sweep - starting off your married life together with good luck.
2007-03-18 18:36:26 · answer #8 · answered by shimmy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the tradition with king george lll is correct, i hired 1 as as surprise for my husband last year, he comes and shakes hands with the groom, kisses the bride and explains the tradition, its good luck and great for the photos, hire one from yellow pages, cost around £80
2007-03-12 22:57:17 · answer #9 · answered by chakra girl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are meant to bring GOOD LUCK.
Ask a child relative (BOY) if he would like to dress up as one - could even walk arm in arm with the flower girl - how cute!!
2007-03-11 09:52:49 · answer #10 · answered by Fairy Dust :*:*: 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋