The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

AT A POLISH WEDDING THE MEN WOULD DANCE WITH THE BRIDE
STARTING WITH THE BEST MAN, THEN THE USHERS, AND THEN
THOSE IN ATTENDANCE. THE PURPOSE WAS TO GET MONEY FOR
THE COUPLE, SINCE THEY DIDN'T RECEIVE MONEY IN
ENVELOPES AS THEY DO NOW. THE EVENT WENT AS FOLLOWS:
A PLATE WAS PLACED ON A TABLE AND THE BRIDE AND HER
PARTNER DANCED AROUND THE TABLE. WHEN THE MUSIC
STOPPED, THE PARTNER HAD TO TAKE OUT A SILVER DOLLAR
AND THROW IT AT THE PLATE, TRYING TO BREAK IT. IF HE
DID, HE COULD CONTINUE DANCING OR LET THE NEXT IN LINE
DANCE WITH THE BRIDE. IF HE DIDN'T BREAK THE PLATE,
HE WOULD CONTINUE DANCING, THROWING MONEY EVERY TIME
THE MUSIC STOPPED, UNTIL HE BROKE THE PLATE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TAYLOR

Date learned: 11-27-1967