The Lucky Piglet Ceremony
Part 9 of The Elements Series - A Wedding Celebrant's Perspective
Part 9 – Lucky Piglet Ceremony
In this ‘Elements’ series, I take a look at how my brides and grooms have incorporated additional elements into their ceremony, to really personalise their wedding and make it a truly unique and memorable day.
Presenting a lucky Piglet or Glücksschwein to a bride and groom on their wedding day is a time-honoured Swiss wedding tradition. One that Sarah and Giles wanted to incorporate in their wedding ceremony, to acknowledge Sarah’s Swiss heritage.
The German word ‘Glück’ means luck and happiness as well as fortune, blessing and success – and the piglet is usually made from marzipan or in the form of a silver charm.
However, Sarah and Giles had other ideas !!
Planning the Pig Ceremony
This ceremony was very well planned, because the welfare of the pigs was paramount.
We had to make sure that it was quiet, with no music, clapping or cheering to startle or frighten them as they entered the ceremony space and started their walk up the aisle.
Also, it had the potential to go horribly wrong. The piggies were, to say the least, rather unpredictable, stubborn and bloody-minded and we weren’t sure whether they would even walk up the aisle.
For this reason the piglet presentation came almost at the end of the ceremony, when a bit of chaotic fun would go down a treat.
Introducing the Lucky Pig Ceremony
Sarah and Giles had their first kiss, then we listened to a beautiful, romantic reading and following this, I introduced the Pig Ceremony !
‘For centuries, piglets have been considered symbols of good luck.
The reason they represent good fortune is quite simple: to possess plenty of pigs was a sign of wealth and prosperity.
Their owners would never go hungry.
And so, in time honoured Swiss tradition, we will present a lucky piglet, or Glücksschwein, to Sarah and Giles on their wedding day.’
This was so out of context to what had gone before that the guests were really intrigued as to what was in store.
Sarah and Giles, please accept these lucky piglets to ensure you will enjoy a life of wealth and prosperity, good luck, abundance, determination and fertility.
Meet Charlotte and Fifi, our Glücksschwein
The guests were not sure quite what to expect after my introduction, and it certainly wasn’t the entrance of a couple of rather loud, big, pigs,
Watching the initial horror on the unsuspecting faces as Charlotte and Fifi oinked and grunted their way up the aisle, was priceless.
Once they had got over the initial shock, the Good Luck Pig Ceremony was an absolute amazing joy and surprise to all the guests and greatly enjoyed by them all.
As you can see, by incorporating a Lucky Pig Element in their wedding ceremony, Sarah and Giles were able to acknowledge Sarah’s Swiss heritage, whilst adding a rather crazy, totally unique and completely personal touch to their ceremony.
Giles and Sarah’s ceremony was at the truly stunning Maunsel House. It certainly needs a special mention. For, not only is it a unique, quirky venue, but the amazing staff are really up for accommodating the ideas and wishes of their couples.
At another wedding I led there, the bride entered on her horse!
Many Thanks
I’d like to thank Sarah and Giles for letting me share with you a part of their incredibly special day.
I’d like to also thank the very talented, friendly and generous Benjamin from Whoisbenjamin Photography, for the amazing pics.
Look out for the tenth part of this series – A Lucky Sweep Ceremony !!
For a look at Part Eight of this Elements Series – The Wine Box Ceremony – Click here !!
For a look at Part Seven of this Elements Series – The Breaking of the Glass Ceremony – Click here !!
For a look at Part Six of this Elements Series – A Unity Candle Ceremony – Click here !!
For a look at Part Five of this Elements Series – The Arras Money Ceremony – Click here !!
For a look at Part Four of this Elements Series – A Handfasting Ceremony – Click here !!
For a look at Part Three of this Elements Series – A Unity Sand Ceremony – Click here !!
For a look at Part Two of this Elements Series – A Parchment Signing Ceremony – Click here !!
For a look at Part One of this Elements Series – A Beautiful Ring Warming Ceremony – Click here !!
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