The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

POLISH

AT EXACTLY MIDNIGHT ON THE DAY OF THE WEDDING, THE
MARRIED COUPLE IS SEATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HALL
WITH ALL THE GUESTS STANDING AROUND THEM IN A BIG
CIRCLE. AT THIS TIME, THE BRIDE'S VEIL IS
REMOVED BY THE BRIDESMAID TO SIGNIFY THAT THE GIRL
IS NO LONGER A BRIDE BUT A MARRIED WOMAN. THE MEMBERS
OF THE BAND OR THE COOK AND WAITRESSES OF THE HALL
THEN SING A SONG TO THE BRIDE TELLING HER THAT SHE
IS NOW A MARRIED WOMAN.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT, MY MOTHER, REMEMBERS THIS VERY WELL
FOR IT WAS DONE AT HER WEDDING AND, AS A MATTER OF
FACT, IS STILL DONE AT ALL POLISH WEDDINGS; BUT
SOMETIMES THE SINGING IS LEFT OUT AND JUST THE VEIL
IS REMOVED. I HAVE WITNESSED THIS MYSELF MANY TIMES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 01-09-1964