The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

POLISH WEDDING CUSTOM

IN POLAND, IT IS CUSTOMARY TO THROW SALT AND RYE AT
THE MARRIED COUPLE AS THEY LEAVE THE CHURCH AFTER THE
NUPTUAL MASS. RYE TAKES THE PLACE OF RICE BECAUSE
IT IS A CROP AND THEREFORE AVAILABLE. THE RYE ALSO
SIGNIFIES BREAD WHICH THE MARRIED COUPLE WILL
CONSUME THROUGHOUT THEIR MARRIED LIFE. THE SALT
SIGNIFIES THAT THEY WILL NEVER GO HUNGRY AS LONG AS
THEY ARE HAPPY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY

Date learned: 10-03-1969