The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IN LATIN COUNTRIES IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR A MAN TO SERENADE
THE WOMAN HE LOVES. IN ANGONE, A TOWN IN THE REGION OF
MOLISE, ITALY, A MAN WILL GATHER SOME OF HIS FRIENDS AND/OR
HIRE SOME MUSICIANS AND SERENADE HIS FIANCE THE NIGHT
BEFORE THE WEDDING. THIS TAKES PLACE AT APPROXIMATELY
9:00 P.M. WHEN THE MEN COME TO SERENADE, THEY BRING A
LADDER,WHEN THEY ARE FINISHED SINGING, THE PARENTS OF
THE BRIDE INVITE THE GROOM AND HIS PARTY TO COME IN FOR REFRESHMENTS. THEY MUST THEN CLIMB THE LADDER IN TO THE
GIRLS BEDROOM. THIS IS A CUSTOM OF WELCOMING THE GROOM TO
THE FAMILY. IN METROPOLITAN AREAS WHERE THE BRIDE MAY LIVE
IN A HIGH RISE APARTMENT, SOME GROOMS HAVE BORROWED FIRE
TRUCKS WITH LADDERS TO CLIMB INTO THE GIRL'S ROOM.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT LEARNED OF THIS CUSTOM WHEN VISITING ITALY.

Where learned: ITALY ; AGNONE ; MOLISE

Keyword(s): SERENADING ; SINGING ; WEDDING CUSTOMS

Date learned: 00001980S

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