The Lucky Chimney Sweep Tradition
In the UK, chimney sweeps have been considered lucky since time immemorial. It’s impossible to put an exact date on the origins of this superstition, but a belief that fire and the hearth are connected to good fortune stretches all the way back to when Britain was a pagan country. Coal has also been considered a lucky totem, particularly by those going off to war, who would often carry a lump of lucky coal with them.
Chimney sweeps are still considered lucky to this day, especially at weddings, where it is said that both bride and groom will benefit from a great future if wished luck on their special day by a chimney sweep.
Lucky Chimney Sweep Legends
Three legends exist that contribute to the lucky chimney sweep traditions.
The first legend involves King William of Britain, said to have had his life saved when a chimney sweep pulled him out of the path of a runaway carriage. The King responded by inviting the sweep to his daughter’s wedding, thereby starting the connection between chimney sweeps and good luck at weddings.
The second legend involves an unknown chimney sweep who was said to have fallen whilst on a roof and left dangling on the edge. A reluctantly engaged woman pulled him through a window and the two fell in love, causing the woman to call off her engagement and live happily ever after with the sweep.
Finally there’s the story of King George III, who was riding in a carriage when the horses were startled out in London. It is said that a passing chimney sweep managed to calm the horses and halt the coach thus essentially saving the King’s life. The grateful King then decreed that all chimney sweeps were lucky and the belief started to spread throughout mainland Europe – a belief that still holds strong today in the more superstitious parts of many European countries.
Why Chimney Sweeps Are Considered Lucky
Chimney sweeps are considered lucky as a result of a combination of these three legends, becoming symbols of luck for all those who encounter them – indeed, it was common practice just over 100 years ago, for men and women to bow and curtsy to chimney sweeps when they passed them in the street.
Chimney Sweep – Good Luck at Weddings
Around this notion that chimney sweeps are lucky to have at weddings, with a kiss from a sweep multiplying that luck considerably, a tradition has built of of actually inviting a sweep along to ensure your luck. Some chimney sweeps now even make themselves available for hire to make appearances at either weddings or receptions.
Indeed, if you watch old footage of the present Queen Elizabeth getting married to the Duke Of Edinburgh, you’ll see a chimney sweep shaking the hand of Prince Philip outside Kensington Palace.
Lucky Chimney Sweep In Europe At New Year
In places like Germany, Hungary and Austria, chimney sweeps are also considered lucky when ushering in the new year, where it’s not uncommon to see chimney sweep models dangling from the Christmas tree. In Poland, people who see a chimney sweep reach for the nearest button and make a wish. Chimney sweeps are also considered lucky in Croatia and Slovenia. In Germany pigs and sweeps together are exceptionally lucky.
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Please contact us if you’d like to discuss sorting out any of these chimney related problems. We can arrange for Chimney Pots, Cowls And Birdguards, Complete Chimney Safety Inspections and of course Chimney Sweeping.
