Tuesday, August 26, 2014

The American Twist...



Most commonly celebrated after the harvest in November or even December in Pomerania weddings were three days of music, food, drink, dance and games…

In the new country, American and Pomeranian customs would blend, change and morph into an occasion somewhat different than a wedding in Pomerania.  This fact doesn’t make a wedding in a community settled by Pomeranian immigrants ordinary or less special. Instead, the blending of the two cultures makes for an occasion which perhaps is more unique and indicative of the customs most closely held dear to the bride, groom, families and the community themselves. It also makes for interesting albeit challenging research.  By blending the two cultures, both Pomeranian and Victorian American, the combination of options becomes almost infinite. This is where our wedding begins…

In every conversation, the Hochzeitsbitter or Wedding Inviter dominates the conversation.  In truth, this colorful character is symbolic on multiple levels.  He is the indicator of the impending nuptials. He IS the social media prior to the age of telegrams, telephones and Twitter. A farmer or artisan doesn’t need to know how to read to understand the verbal invitation of the Hochzeitsbitter. He is a gentleman very special to the bride. He is also symbol of celebration…after months of work, the harvest is complete and there is time for great merriment.  Next to the Bride, he is the most visible symbol of a wedding. The tradition of the Hochzeitsbitter in his top hat and all his merriment crosses the ocean and finds a role in the Pomeranian settled communities into the mid-twentieth century.
Well, that was the easy part... The Hochzeitsbitter.  Next up...Koepsell House...