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Since pagan times, the images of fire and the hearth have been associated with luck. When a new bride inherited the fire irons, she symbolically inherited a home and a new family. It's because of his blackened face and his relationship with hearths and fires that the Chimney Sweep carries the luck with him wherever he goes and when you meet him, his luck rubs off on you.
Coal, again connected with fire and hearths, is also believed to be lucky, when given by a sweep the luck is multiplied. Soldiers have carried small lumps of coal into battle to ensure survival, and sailors kept coal in their pockets whilst at sea.
If a Chimney Sweep meets a Bride and Groom at their wedding, it is a very good omen for their future, especially if he wishes them good luck.
It is interesting to note that magic and customs regarding Chimney Sweeps are to be found all over Europe, especially in Germany, Austria and France, where it is considered lucky to touch a Sweep's tunic button, and particular in Poland, where St Florian is the patron saint of Chimney Sweeps.
Chimney Sweeps are also regarded to be lucky in Scandinavia, the Balkans and in Russia, where they like to tear off his button for luck, and for every country there is a different story. In any culture, a visit from a sweep brings the security of a safe and warm home and the reassurance of the basic comfort of the fire, the heart of a home, which has always been associated with family, happiness and well-being.
© 2007 -Paphos Lucky Chimney Sweep
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Getting Married in Cyprus
The Paphos Lucky Chimney Sweep - The traditions
