Chimney Sweeps

If you read the history of chimney sweeps, gentle readers, it would be entirely reasonable to conclude that they were some of the least fortunate people ever to have lived. As you can imagine, cleaning the ash and soot from chimneys was dangerous and dirty work, much of which was done by “climbing boys” who could fit into tight spaces. In the UK, climbing boys tended to be orphans who were apprenticed to master chimney sweeps. In America, they tended to be African-American boys, many of whom were the children of enslaved people. But in Germany and some other parts of Europe, the work of chimney sweeps was generally done by adults. Master sweeps and boys were regularly exposed to toxic substances and many developed cancer later in life as a result.

We have strayed far from the subject of good fortune, dear readers. Let us get back on track and answer the question, “Why are chimney sweeps considered lucky?” According to legend, one day King George II’s procession was interrupted by a dog that startled his horse. A chimney sweep who happened to be on the scene was able to get the situation under control, and the good King was so grateful that — instead of thanking him or giving him a bag of gold coins or a roast goose— he declared that chimney sweeps would be treated with respect from that day forward …and over time, this edict morphed into the idea that chimney sweeps are symbols of luck.

Are you buying this, dear ones? Seems like pretty thin soup, right? Indeed it does, but in researching this topic, The House of Good Fortune has not been able to find a more coherent rationale. Let us accept, then, that many Europeans consider chimney sweeps harbingers of good luck — for whatever reason. In the U.K. it is lucky for a bride and groom to see a chimney sweep on their wedding day, and many modern chimney sweeps hire themselves out for appearances at weddings.

The lyrics of Mary Poppins’ “Chim Chim Cher-ee” immortalized this idea for many.

Chim chiminey
Chim chiminey
Chim chim cher-ee!
A sweep is as lucky
As lucky can be

Chim chiminey
Chim chiminey
Chim chim cher-oo!
Good luck will rub off when
I shakes 'ands with you
Or blow me a kiss
And that's lucky too

The chimney sweep is a popular decorative motif on Christmas cards and ornaments, often paired with other good luck charms like four-leaf clovers and horseshoes. He is typically shown in his traditional top hat and black coat.