A friend of mine, recounting his holiday experiences at a small coast resort some two hours' rail journey from the city, declares emphatically that the marriage fever, war-time or otherwise, has reached this country.
At his holiday centre, he tells me, the matrimonial spate was of such dimensions as to evoke considerable local comment. According to custom, the bridal party visits some hotel, and, having engaged a room for a few hours, proceeds to make merry with traditional music and wine.
As my friend's hotel happened to be very popular, he witnessed many such celebrations - as many even as five in one day. No sooner had one party departed than another would topple in, produce fiddles or accordions, and proceed to raise the dust in time-honoured fashion.
The most popular wedding days were from Monday to Wednesday, because local legend asserts:
"Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth;
Wednesday the best day of all.
Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses;
Saturday no luck at all."
It may be mentioned that the presence of the bride and bridegroom was not strictly necessary for these festivities. But what matter: any excuse is better than none when a hooly is at stake.
The Irish Times, July 17th, 1940.