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...
