When my mom and dad were married it was custom where they lived to throw a shivaree afterwards.
shivaree: [shiv-uh-ree] Shivaree is the most common American regional form of charivari, a French word meaning "a noisy mock serenade for newlyweds" and probably deriving in turn from a Late Latin word meaning "headache." The term, most likely borrowed from French traders and settlers along the Mississippi River, was well established in the United States by 1805; an account dating from that year describes a shivaree in New Orleans: "The house is mobbed by thousands of the people of the town, vociferating and shouting with loud acclaim.... [M]any [are] in disguises and masks; and all have some kind of discordant and noisy music, such as old kettles, and shovels, and tongs.... All civil authority and rule seems laid aside" (John F. Watson).
Yep, that pretty much describes what happens from the little video I've seen and the tales that I've heard. Apparently, there are silly games and tasks that the couple are "encouraged" to do. Looks like my mom had to drive my dad around in a wheelbarrow and the other picture is them is a trough full of water - this was in April so I'm sure it was cold, too! I know most all of these people who were part of the shivaree and I can only imagine how loud and fun it was (I'd love to hear comments from you - I'm sure there are things I don't know)!!
I love finding these little gems in my computer - love the stories they tell and remind me of. I'm glad that my sisters and I spent hours growing up looking through photo albums and that my parents took the time to tell us the stories - thanks Mom and Dad!
