Talk:Shivaree

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I remember as a Child growing up in West Virginia we had a similar custom that everyone called a "Belling". Everyone in the neighborhood would gather together anything we could to make noise including "Cow Bells", pots and pans, trash cans,etc., and at dusk we would stand outside the Newlyweds House and make noise until they came out and gave us Candy. Then the Adults in the Crowd would "Kidnap" the Groom (not the Bride) , and throw him in the River. I had never heard of this custom refered to as a "Shivaree" until I saw it on an Episode of "The Waltons" —Preceding unsigned comment added by 209.240.206.200 (talk • contribs) -- Chris 00:36, 13 June 2006 (UTC)

In western Nebraska a shivaree had no negative overtones as listed in Charivari. It was a very positive happening that all enjoyed. It was a welcoming by the community to married life. It was schedualed as a surprise party late at night after the couple would be in bed. Everyone would quietly drive up to the house, and on a signal start honking horns, blowing whistles, banging pots and pans, fire crackers, bells, etc. Many times the groom would have to push the bride down the main street of town in a wheel borrow or other embarassing mode of transportation. The gathering would follow with car horns blaring so everyone in town would turn out to see the couple. Usually the parents of the couple, knowing that it was going to happen, provided treats to everyone. In the end everyone would congratulate the couple and give their blessing to the marriage.