The Lucky chimney sweep tradition.

Since pagan times,the images of fire and the hearth have been associated with luck-when a new bride inherited the fire irons,she symbolicaly inherited a home and a new family.  Its because of his relationship with hearths and fires that the sweep carries the luck with him whereever he goes and when you meet him the luck rubs off onto you. Coal, when given by a sweep is believed to multiply your luck if a sweep meets a bride and groom at their wedding its a very good omen for their future especially if he wishes them good luck.

By royal decree King George III proclaimed that all sweeps are good luck bearers and should be treated with respect(after being rescued by a sweep) Good luck is sure to rub off when the groom shakes hands with a lucky chimney sweep who will have a lucky kiss for the new bride.