Have you heard the legends of the luck of the chimney sweep? At Blue Ridge Chimney Services, we have often been asked about these legends. Many Americans have not heard these stories as they all originated in Europe. In England, it is considered to be very lucky for the bride and groom to see a chimney sweep on their wedding day. Even more luck is passed along if a chimney sweep kisses the bride or shakes the groom’s hand. Chimney sweeps even rent out their services to appear at weddings to bring luck to the bride and groom’s new life together. We would like to share with you three legends of the luck of the chimney sweep for you to enjoy reading.
The Chimney Sweep and King William of Britain
The first of the luck of the chimney sweep legends, in 1066 a chimney sweep noticed a runaway carriage heading right towards King William of Britain, who was peacefully walking down the road. Showing great courage, the chimney sweep ran towards the king to push him out of the way of the carriage, which saved his life. To show how eternally grateful he was to this chimney sweep, King William declared all chimney sweeps as bringers of good luck and invited the brave life-saving chimney sweep to his daughter’s wedding as a lucky charm for the bride and groom. This legend is why it is considered to be lucky to have a chimney sweep as a guest to your wedding.
A Chimney Sweep and King George II of England
Another legend of the luck of the chimney sweep dating back to the 1700’s, King George II was riding his horse in a procession down a street in London. All of a sudden, an angry dog appeared before the horse, growled and barked fiercely, and scared the horse. Struck with fear, the horse became out of control, which caused King George II to lose his grip on the reins. The only man courageous enough to come out to help the king by grabbing the horse and calming the animal down was a local chimney sweep, and, with this gesture, he saved the king’s life. Extremely grateful to the chimney sweep, King George II announced that from this day forward all chimney sweeps were signs of future success and should be treated with respect. Ever since this incident, chimney sweeps have been a sign of good luck and fortune in England.
A Chimney Sweep’s Fortunate Accident
In this undated legend that originated in Europe, a chimney sweep was working on a roof and fell, but he is saved by his foot getting caught in the gutter, according to Good Luck Symbols. However, he was not completely safe as he was dangling upside down. A young woman living in the house heard the chimney sweep calling for help and looked out of her window to see him hanging upside down outside the window. Determined to save the chimney sweep, she pulled him inside through the window. Even though this young woman was engaged to be married, she and the chimney sweep instantly fell in love at first sight. She ended her engagement and married the chimney sweep. They lived happily ever after, and the legend of the luck of the chimney sweep continues to this day.
Want to know more about the legends of the luck of chimney sweeps? Contact Blue Ridge Chimney Services to talk to our lucky chimney sweeps about their experiences with these legends.