The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A CUSTOM AT POLISH WEDDING RECEPTIONS IS FOR THE DINNER GUESTS TO BANG
ON THEIR PLATES WITH THEIR EATING UTENSILS IN ORDER TO PRODUCE RACKET LIKE SOUNDS.
THIS IS DONE AS A NON SERIOUS COMPLAINT THAT THE FOOD IS SOUR. THE NOISE MAKING
OCCURS MANY TIMES THROUGHOUT THE EATING PERIOD AND CONTINUES UNTIL THE BRIDE AND GROOM
EMBRACE AND KISS. UPON THIS TAKING PLACE THE GUESTS DISCONTINUE THEIR DISTURBANCE AND
SAY THE WORD "SMACZNE" (MEANING DELICIOUS). THE SHOW OF AFFECTION BETWEEN THE NEWLYWEDS
IS SUPPOSE TO SWEETEN THE FOOD AND ACCORDINGLY PLACATE THE GUESTS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): CONTRAST

Date learned: 10-00-1975