The Chimney Sweep - The Tradition Of Offering Protection For Your Home Or Business
The Raleigh Chimney Sweep - The Tradition Of Offering Safety for your Home Or Business
Think of a Chimney Sweep, and what probably jumps to mind is visions of Bert the Chimney Sweep from Mary Poppins singing and dancing on the rooftop.
But the rich history of the Chimney Sweep goes back much more than Mary Poppins, and is laced with false notion and interesting tales.
Actually, it is one of the oldest jobs around, a service which was as essential 200 years back as it is now. Eradicating the dirt and residue from a chimney is vital for the protection of the property. Without this service, dangerous conditions arise, which can result into serious fires. With coal being a chief source of fuel, the risk was greater than before.
The Chimney of old would often employ small boys to actually climb up the chimney cleaning and brushing as he went. Generally, to ensure the boy would climb all the way up to the roof, a fire was lit in the fireplace giving rise to the phrase "light a fire under him".
As laws were passed, hiring of boys to scrub the chimney was illegal, and more modern methods of brush cleaning started being used.
The vital and chief service given by the Chimney Sweeps made them an extremely vital member of the community, and were usually seen as very Lucky. Actually, in Germany, a New Years tradition is the giving of gifts with the image of a Chimney Sweep on it to bring Good Fortune for the New Year.
In England it is quite Lucky for a Bride to see a Chimney Sweep on her marriage day. This has led to several Chimney Sweeps being called to weddings.
A traditional Chimney Sweep would often wear black top hat and coat and tails. This is a customary "look" for the Chimney Sweep. This practice comes from long ago when many Chimney Sweeps were given free donated clothing from funeral directors. The Coat and Tails also made a dirty job seem more respectable and apt.
Today's modern Chimney Sweeps still carry on with the essential and basic cleaning of chimneys. But many have expanded to preventive maintenance of chimneys, re-installation and repair of chimneys, and installing of new chimney liners.
The Chimney Sweep of these days, carries on a great tradition, but has expanded the services making them a valuable and vital service to give for the safety of today's modern residences.
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