Remembering the Shivaree: Rural Custom Rattled Newly Wedded Bliss

By Delbert Trew
Published on October 1, 2007
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An old rural custom meant a night of mischief for newlyweds.

Down on the farm, one function always drew a crowd.

Whether you spelled it shivaree (like we do down in Texas) or charivari (like the dictionary does), a local, recently wedded couple was in for a rough night. This old-time rural custom had been carried on in our area for years.

At times shivarees were friendly. If the newlyweds were needy, gifts of food and household goods were brought, much like today’s bridal shower. If the groom had been a participant in previous shivarees, memories were long and revenge was sought. My ordeal happened in 1951 after my new bride and I returned from our honeymoon and had just settled into our small, refurbished farm home south of Perryton, Texas.

Just after dark the abuse began with the largest crowd ever gathered at a shivaree in our community. This was probably because I had been a very active participant in many previous community shivarees. One cousin drove 200 miles to exact his revenge after waiting years for the opportunity.

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