The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

DURING FAMILY WEDDINGS, AT THE RECEPTION, ALL THE WOMEN
PICK UP THE GROOM, CARRY HIM INTO THE BATHROOM, TAKE
OFF HIS TUXEDO AND LEAVE HIM. HE MUST STAY THERE UNTIL
THE BRIDE DECIDES THAT HE CAN RETURN TO THE CELEBRATION.
"IT WAS A TRADITION IN MY MOTHER'S FAMILY THAT BETWEEN THE
CHURCH CEREMONY AND THE RECEPTION THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY
TOOK THE BRIDE AND GROOM TO A FAIRLY FAMILIAR PLACE
(USUALLY SOMEONE'S HOUSE) AND TIED THEM TO A BANNISTER.
THE FAMILY WOULD THEN LEAVE THE COUPLE. IF THE BRIDE AND
GROOM COULD NOT FREE THEMSELVES BY THE TIME THE RECEPTION
STARTED, THE FAMILY WOULD RESCUE THEM. INSTEAD OF HANDING
DOWN THIS PARTICULAR TRADITION, MY MOTHER AND HER SISTERS
MADE UP A NEW ONE THAT OUR FAMILY COULD HAND DOWN."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK

Date learned: 00-00-1980 ; 00-00-1970