It takes two to tango — two to get married — and two to saw a log!
My nephew and his German bride did just that on their wedding day. There’s a German wedding tradition that on a couple’s wedding day, in order to test their ability to work together, they saw a log. Immediately after they emerge from the church, they face their first difficult task. Still composed from the joy of their union, they take a two handled saw, walk over to a log on a sawhorse and saw it in half — together. He is on one side and she is on the other. If they both pull and push their weight evenly and strongly, the log will get cut smoothly and in good time.
I love this tradition! I have to wonder though, if my husband and I could have pulled it off (we are both huge klutzes)
Awww…something about your plaid shirt tells me you’re up to the challenge. 🙂
Haha! that’s just for show. I’m really quite a weakling.
I would doubtfully have a husband left over we’re I to try this!
What? B’ad wouldn’t be game? Or would you be insisting on a chainsaw? (smile) Call me Deb, 1.555.log.s-r-us
I wish I knew about that test back when 🙂
It is a good one, isn’t it? 🙂
LOVE that tradition & loved the photos too … so sorry you missed that special event, but so happy you’ve shared with us what they’ve shared with you! Miss you, my friend. How are those grandsons?!
The family’s stories about the log and so many other things made me sad to have missed it. I stayed at home where I needed to be at the time…yet I’m so thrilled to view the pictures from everyone’s perspective. It’s October and new ones keep coming. It was a great reunion and they continue to assure me they understood my absence. Grandbaby #2 is filling out, going on 10lbs.! #1 is doing well–it was good to see him in September.
what a cool tradition! 🙂
Unusual but sensible–I think it covers a lot of ground. 🙂
Do you practice beforehand?
Not that I know of or that they mentioned.:)
That is one neat tradition. I never heard of it and both my husband and I have some German heritage in our backgrounds, but maybe too far back. Anyway, loved this idea and also the photos!
When I heard they had done this and then the photos of this came, I asked for permission to use. Just had to share. Isn’t it wonderful?
Definitely a good tradition. Best to do it immediately after the ceremony, though, and not half-way through the reception…
haha…Yep…right after the ceremony is when they did it. 🙂
I’ve never heard of this tradition. Does the bride have to cut the log while wearing her wedding dress?
Yes, Rosie, they do it right after leaving the church still dressed in suit and white dress. The log, in fact was on a sawhorse right outside the church. Those Germans are so practical.
Great tradition! Although I am sure that between me and John, extra limbs would have been cut too!
Oh no! That is hazardous. Thankfully, no injuries reported in the stories coming home, though.:)
An interesting tradition which I’m sure is very telling about the relationship involved!
I’m so proud of the very beautiful and yet meaningful day they planned. This, though, I wanted to dedicate to one post. Perhaps I’ll post more.
Oooh….I would definitely have wanted to practice that before we had to prove ourselves! I’ve never heard of this – very interesting!
Very different, huh? But when they told me about it, I thought, of course, they would include that on their day! They are neat kids of 30 something.
How unique and fun! I had never heard of this tradtion before but I like it.
Can you imagine a Bridezilla ever planning or agreeing on something so meaningful? Oh, Lordy!
What a great tradition! I hope no one lost a pinky over it. Yikes!
Well, it wasn’t a chain saw. (smile) A chain saw would have been, well…dangerous, I think. Thankfully, the bride’s dress didn’t suffer any bloody trace.
What an interesting tradition!
I read a lot of Proverbs in this. 🙂
What an inspiring tradition. I think it should be a part of every wedding ceremony. Marriage is not all about romance and the ultimate test of love is how we overcome the odds as a couple. So true, It takes two to tango — two to get married — and two to saw a log! Have a great weekend my friend.
I’m glad you like this tradition. I think it’s a great one. There were no complaints from the bride and groom that they sweated on their wedding day.
What a great tradition – and so symbolic, too! Thank you for sharing 🙂
MJ
I’m glad you like it. I wonder if it could be an anniversary tradition?
I love this tradition. The secret, of course, is that strength is almost beside the point. In fact, forcing a saw makes the project harder. It really is a test of teamwork – skill over brute force. As proof? Look at this marvelous, very short video of a chainsaw vs. a two-man crosscut saw!
I love my blogging friend who can find evidence! Oh my…I will have to share this with them. Thank you for your research!