The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

TWELVE ANGELS

GREEN GRASS IS GROWING,
BY THE CHURCH DOORSTEP.
YOU GAVE YOUR HAND TO ( GROOM'S NAME ),
YOU GAVE YOUR HAND TO ( GROOM'S NAME ),
BY THE MAIN ALTAR.
YOU GAVE HIM YOUR RIGHT HAND,
THE PRIEST BLESSED YOUR WEDDING BAND.
YOUR EYES FILLED WITH TEARS,
YOUR EYES FILLED WITH TEARS,
BY THIS SMILING MAN.
TWELVE PETAL WHITE ROSES,
ON A LITTLE TREE.
TWELVE ANGELS HAD COME,
TWELVE ANGELS HAD COME,
TO SERVE YOU WILLINGLY.
FIRST ANGEL IS CARRYING,
A FLAMING CANDLE LIGHT.
SECOND ANGEL CARRIES,
SECOND ANGEL CARRIES,
A BRIDAL BOUQUET ALL WHITE.
THIRD ANGEL IS CARRYING,
A BEAUTIFUL CHAPLET
FOURTH ANGEL IS CARRYING,
FOURTH ANGEL IS CARRYING,
A GOLDEN WEDDING BAND.
FIFTH ANGEL IS CARRYING,
FROM GOD YOUR WEDDING VOWS.
SIXTH ANGEL IS CARRYING,
SIXTH ANGEL IS CARRYING,
ALL BLESSINGS FROM ABOVE.
THE NEXT SIX ANGELS,
A CROWN OF MYRTLE GREEN,
THEY PLACE UPON YOUR HEAD
THEY PLACE UPON YOUR HEAD.
TODAY TO MAKE YOU QUEEN.
O MY DEAR CHAPLET
ALL OF MYRTLE GREEN.
I AM SORRY,
TO PART WITH THEE,
THEN WITH MY FAMILY.
MY DEAR MOTHER,
I AM LEAVING YOU TODAY.
TO LIVE WITH ( GROOM'S NAME ),
TO LIVE WITH ( GROOM'S NAME ),
FOR HE AND I ARE WED.

Submitter comment: THIS SONG IS A POLISH TRADITION, USUALLY STILL SUNG IN POLISH AT
WEDDINGS. THE GUESTS GATHER IN A CIRCLE AROUND THE BRIDE AND
GROOM, AS THE BRIDE REMOVES HER VEIL. THIS SIGNIFIES THAT NOW SHE
BELONGS TO HIM. SHE PASSES HER VEIL FIRST TO THE MAID OF HONOR,
AND THEN ON TO THE OTHER BRIDESMAIDS AS THEY DANCE, SO THEY TOO CAN
SHARE HER JOY

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

James Callow Keyword(s): CHAIN ; RIGHT HAND

Date learned: 10-12-1972

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Right hand itching

If your right hand itches, you will receive money.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): RIGHT HAND

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