Wedding Traditions

Weddings have gone through many traditions over the years from simple services in the bride’s home to extravagant ceremonies costing thousands. Some of the early traditions would be considered out of character today but most were in fun and a way for a community to celebrate. One tradition after a church wedding required the groom to take his bride for a ride in a wheel barrow down the street lined with cheering people throwing rice but one of the most popular celebratory events in the early township days was a chivaree or belling. That was something most newly married couples knew about but hoped it wouldn’t be something they would experience on their wedding night. A chivaree or belling was a noisy celebration of friends and family who gathered outside the home of the newly married couple waiting until the lights inside were turned off. Then the noise started and continued until a light was visible from inside the house. After the chivaree tradition ended, those attending the wedding turned their attention to the vehicle of the bride and groom by tying tin cans and other noise makers to the rear of their escape vehicle.