The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

UKRAINIAN WEDDING ENGAGEMENT

WHEN A MAN WANTS TO MARRY A CERTAIN GIRL, HE SENDS TWO WITNESSES
OR INTERMEDIARIES CALLED 'STAROSTY', TO THE PARENTS OF THE
GIRL. THEY ASK FOR THE GIRL'S HAND IN MARRIAGE FOR THEIR FRIEND,
AND THE FATHER TALKS OVER THE GIRL'S DOWRY WITH THEM--HOW MUCH
LAND AND ANIMALS SHE WILL GET. AFTER THE DECISION IS MADE, THE
GIRL BRINGS OUT TWO LONG PIECES OF EMBROIDERED CLOTH, AND PUTS
THEM ON THE TWO"STAROSTY", AROUND THEIR NECKS, CROSSED IN FRONT,
AROUND THE WAIST, AND TIED IN FRONT. THESE SYMBOLIZE A FORMAL
ENGAGEMENT AND TO BREAK THE ENGAGEMENT IS FORBIDDEN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR