callithumpians

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

It is a common practice in New York, as well as other parts of the country, on New-Year's eve, for persons to assemble with tin horns, bells, rattles, and similar euphonious instruments, and parade the streets making all the noise and discord possible. This party is called the Callithumpians, or the Callithumpian Band. On wedding nights the happy couple are sometimes saluted with this discord by those who choose to consider the marriage an improper one, instead of a serenade. See chiravari.