The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A RUMANIAN WEDDING CUSTOM

ONE OF THE WEDDING GUESTS, A CLOSE WOMAN FRIEND OF THE
FAMILY, HOLDS ABOVE HER HEAD WITH ONE HAND, A PLATTER
ON WHICH A STUFFED CHICKEN IS SURROUNDED WITH FRUITS
AND FLOWERS, AND A LIT CIGARETTE HAS BEEN PLACED IN
THE CHICKEN'S BEAK.
SHE DANCES TO TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND APPROACHES THE TABLE
OF THE NASHA AND NASHU (SOMEWHAT COMPARABLE TO A MATRON
OF HONOR AND A BEST MAN). THEY TEMPT HER TO DRAW NEAR
THEM BY OUTSTRETCHING SOME DOLLAR BILLS. THE DANCING
WOMAN TRIES TO SNATCH THE MONEY FROM THE NASHA AND
NASHU WITHOUT LETTING THEM GRAB THE PLATTER OF CHICKEN
FROM HER.
THE CUSTOM IS VERY COLORFUL AND GAY AND USUALLY CULMIN-
ATES WITH THE CIGARETTE SMOKING CHICKEN SAILING TO
THE FLOOR ONLY AFTER THE NASHA AND NASHU HAVE TEMPTED
THE DANCING WOMAN WITH A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; PONTIAC

Date learned: NOT GIVEN