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Photographer’s Note

“Help – I shall marriage”

It’s a tradition that young couples celebrate their last time in ”freedom” before they marriage. It’s usually there family and a so called “friends” who prepare this event called “polterabend” – (in Danish)

The bride and bridegroom are forced to up dress funny and given different task – like selling flowers and even kisses to unknown people in the street. Sometimes the fun could be rather dangerous and I remember a few tragic cases where the bridegroom got injured or even died.
I found this page which gives ideas to polterabend activities (sorry in Danish).

The bridegroom can be seen here – This happened the same Saturday where Svendborg was invaded by clowns like this decoration artist - It was mostly kids who got painted.

Thanks to Richard - Indeed this must be the Stag/Hen tradition - I like this checklist - specially #10

This "party" always paid by the friends and family of the young couple.

RGatward, JanP, elihesamian, Xalkida, jhm, weswang, nwoehnl, bertolucci, rodoula, orme, Tasmaniac has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

RGatward (19737) 2006-06-03 4:40

Sounds a bit like the English Stag/Hen tradition, but then, as I said, half the country was settled by the Danish, so not surprising that we behave so oddly :-)

Good candid shot.

avigur_11 (21271) 2006-06-03 4:56

I hope that this will be the last time that she says "Help, Jeppe.
Tahnks for introducing us to this Dannish tradition. I know some couples that behave like this AFTER marriage.

JanP (1629) 2006-06-03 8:13

Hi Jeppe.
This brings up old memories...how about you??
As the old joke goes: Love makes you blind but marriage brings back your sight...
Good capture - just look at her face.
Thanks, Jan
God pinse!

elihesamian (26091) 2006-06-03 9:48

Polterabend !
What an interesting subject !
a nice informative shot with a very funny situation you show us in afine way Jeppe,Thanks for saying this event in culture,the shot is great with excellent used of DOF,nicely done,

Best Regards
M

Xalkida (11740) 2006-06-03 12:09

Hi Jeppe

Very nice idea for a good shot. Great note explained the procedure for this custom. Excellent POV, great colors. Well done and TFS!

jhm (82201) 2006-06-03 12:31

Hi Jeppe,
A very nice action shot, I see the face of these ladies, very strong and the lady with sigaret I think this is a specially lady!
Have a nice weekend,
John.

weswang (18223) 2006-06-03 14:33

Hi Jeppe, This is an interesting tradition for those poor couples to be married. In U.S., there are some tradition as "Bridal Showers" and "Bachelor Parties". Those events are as dangerous as the "polterabend" as you have described. Many times, those events become X-rated events.
A nice journalist styled daily life shot.

nwoehnl (118) 2006-06-03 16:56

A fun reporting photo on this tradition, Jeppe - here, in addition to the funny looks seen in the woman, the added treat is the "She" sign on the shop in the background. Technically, a just slightly more shallow DOF might be interesting. Good add with the groom photo in the WS.

alvaraalto (5229) 2006-06-03 17:24

Hi Jeppe,
Much to enjoy at this two alternative “vrijgezellenfeesten”. Especially “he” in front of the church of Svendborg, which I can remember.
I think the girl with the cigarette in her mouth has her own thoughts about the wedding.
Groet Rob

bertolucci (11976) 2006-06-03 19:18

Hej Jeppe, funny street capture of this interesting rite of passage. The woman seems to be more then a little self-conscious, small wonder ;-). Very well seen and done and thanx for adding the WS!
Have a nice Pentacost,
Bert

orme (6746) 2006-06-28 3:50

A great capture, Jeppe, with a very interesting note and workshop. I like the expression that you have captured on her face - as if she has just spotted her boss coming down the street. Well done.

Tasmaniac (285) 2006-09-20 20:24