I've taken several of my friends (and even a couple of significant others) to my family's weddings. The one thing they always remember and will report to others about later is
"this crazy thing ya'll did called
the Grand March.
What the heck was up with that?"
Indeed, I always made sure beforehand that my guest at the wedding would find themselves obligated to participate. I would prep an available female - cousin or aunt - who, when the time came for the Grand March, would happily loop their arm under my bewildered guest's elbow and drag them into the starting line.
It is said this wedding tradition began in Poland but, like several other things the Poles likely did but we Czechs still take credit for --
and, here perhaps I can settle the sausage war once and for all – dammit Poles you can have your kielbasa, but we Czechs definitely invented the klobasnikies AND the kolaches --
we Czechs tend to believe the Wedding March is also our own creation.
Suffice to say, both of these eastern European immigrants brought the tradition to Texas and it remains a tradition still played out at south and central Texas wedding receptions today.
It begins soon after the invited guests have enjoyed a big barbecue spread and their stomachs have had time settle. One hears the tuning and preparations being made by the musicians and after the majority of folks have had time to throw back a couple of pivos (beers) an announcement comes over the sound system: "The Grand March is beginning to line up!"
At that point, couple after couple begin getting up and heading to the designated corner of the dance floor. The Grand March will kick off a full night of dancing and it’s the perfect way to get all the guests involved
in the reception celebration (and gets them to remain awhile longer than just 'eat and run.' That's considered so rude!)
The dance is typically led by a couple that has been married for many years and is set to upbeat music. It goes as follows:
• The dance begins with
the couples being led around the room - life
• The couples separate -
quarrel
• The couples join back
together - making up
• The couples join
together in rows of four or more - growing family
• The dancers make a
single-file line that snakes throughout the venue - twists and turns of life
• The couples form a
bridge which each person goes under - strength of the new couple’s bond
• The newlyweds dance
together as the wedding party and guests form a circle around them - support of
the marriage.
Finally, when the couple have finished their romantic spin around the dancefloor while encircled by their loved ones, the band usually breaks into a lively number that stirs all the couples to begin dancing.
Well, my friends –
both those who’ve had the pleasure of engaging with me in this Czech custom and those who’ve simply scratched their heads while hearing about it –
that is the explanation of the Czech wedding custom called the Grand March.
 |
| The Grand March begins on the dancefloor at my Mom & Dad's wedding reception. A "senior, experienced" couple are leading and behind them a future couple (flower girl, ringbearer) and behind them the bride and groom, followed by the paired groomsmen and bridesmaids, and finally all coupled guests in tow. |
More of Terry's Written Works
History:
Favorite Articles:
Terry’s “Good Living” Guide:
Avoid the 3 PsBsSs
Processed Foods, Phthalates, Plastics;
Beef, Butter, Breads;
you’ll be feeling better in no time!
Avoid the 3 F’s
misinformation, fear, anger and hate!
No comments:
Post a Comment