The link with weddings and sweeps seems to relate to soot and ashes
as symbols of fertility; this is reinforced by the fact that the sweep will
often kiss the bride. The link of ashes and soot with fire explains this
symbolism, since fire is a potent symbol of life and has been used since
ancient times to combat the darkness of winter, the death of the sun and
the resulting loss of the return of life in the spring. It is difficult to know
the origins of this belief as it is so old.
There is also a link with the hearth as the centre of the home and family,
which is also a strong symbol, from which sprang many beliefs eg.
about the Yule log; carrying embers from an old home to kindle the fire in
a new one to symbolise the continuity of the family in a new place; first
footers carrying a piece of coal to represent warmth through the next
twelve months etc.
Thre is also a long tradition of blackened faces linked with some Morris
traditions - but this is something that others will know better and may be
able to make the limks for you.
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