The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SHIVAREE OR BELLING

CHILDREN AND GROWNUPS WOULD GATHER (FROM SEVERAL MILES
IN ALL DIRECTIONS) OUTSIDE THE HOUSE OF NEWLYWEDS ON
THEIR HONEYMOON NIGHT AND "SHIVAREE" THEM, BEATING ON
TIN PANS AND MAKING OTHER LOUD NOISES. IF THE GANG
WAS EXPECTED THAT EVENING, THE NEWLYWEDS NEVER LIT A
LAMP. THE CROWD DID NOT KNOW FOR SURE IF THEY WERE
HOME AND AFTER SOME TIME OF THIS TERRIBLE NOISE
MAKING, WOULD LEAVE. BUT IF THEY WERE SURE THEY WERE
HOME, THIS NOISE WAS KEPT UP UNTIL THE YOUNG COUPLE GOT
DRESSED AND SERVED THE GANG REFRESHMENTS. THE SHIVAREE
USUALLY TOOK PLACE ABOUT MIDNIGHT.

Where learned: OHIO ; TOLEDO

Date learned: NOT GIVEN