There’s an old Polish wedding tradition
The parents perform at the reception.
They greet the bride and the groom
With rye bread as they enter the room
The bread is sprinkled with salt.
And with wine they also exalt.
With bread, they hope their children
Will never hunger or be barren.
With salt, they remind the couple
That life may at times bring trouble.
With wine, they wish for them years
Full of good health and many cheers.
They then embrace the twosome
To affirm their familial welcome.
© 1972, Kenneth Koziol. All rights reserved.
