The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

POLISH WEDDING CUSTOM

ONE OF THE CUSTOMS AT WEDDINGS WAS TO TRY TO SMASH A DISH BY THROWING
SILVER DOLLARS AT IT. THE BRIDE AND GROOM WOULD SIT AT A TABLE WITH
PLATES SPREAD OUT IN FRONT OF THEM. THE MEN AT THE WEDDING WOULD
COME BY, ONE AT A TIME, AND THROW A SILVER DOLLAR AT THE PLATE. IF
IT BROKE, THE "THROWER" WOULD GET TO DANCE WITH THE BRIDE. IF IT
DIDN'T, THE NEXT GUY WOULD TAKE A TURN.

Submitter comment: THIS CUSTOM WAS BROUGHT OVER FROM POLAND AND WAS EXTREMELY POPULAR
IN THE YEARS FROM 1900 TO 1930. ITS PURPOSE WAS TO RAISE MONEY
FOR THE NEWLYWEDS. IT DIED OUT IN THE LATE 1930'S.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE

Date learned: 03-22-1982