The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

PARENTAL WEDDING BLESSING

BEFORE THE BRIDAL COUPLE GO TO CHURCH FOR THE CEREMONY,
THEY RECEIVE A PARENTAL BLESSING. THE BRIDE'S PARENTS ARE
SEATED HOLDING AN ICON OF OUR LADY. THE COUPLE KNEEL
BEFORE THEM. THEY ASK FOR THEIR BLESSING. THE PARENTS HOLD
UP THE ICON AND BLESS THEM SAYING, "MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND
WE GIVE OUR BLESSING TOO." THE BRIDE AND GROOM KISS THE
ICON AND HER PARENTS. THE SAME CEREMONY IS REPEATED BEFORE
THE GROOM'S PARENTS WHO ARE HOLDING THE ICON OF CHRIST.
IN CASE A PARENT IS DECEASED, A CHAIR IS LEFT EMPTY. THEY
ACKNOWLEDGE THE DECEASED PARENT.

Submitter comment: THESE ICONS ARE GIVEN TO THE COUPLE FOR THEIR HOME.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PHILADELPHIA

Keyword(s): SYMBOL

Date learned: 00001950S