Charivari is a French term used to designate a wild tumult and uproar, produced by the beating of pans, kettles, and dishes, mingled with whistling, bawling, groans, and hisses, expressive of displeasure at the person against whom it is directed. Its etymology is obscure; the Germans translate it by Katzenmusik, to which in English Cat's-concert corresponds. In France, during the middle ages, a charivari was generally raised against persons contracting second nuptials, in which case the widow was specially assailed. On these occasions the participants in it, who were masked, accompanied their hubbub by the singing of satirical and indecent verses, and would not cease till the wedding couple had purchased their peace by ransom. Charivari answers to the English concert upon 'marrow-bones and cleavers,' popularly termed 'rough music,' with which it was customary to attack a married couple who lived in notorious discord. It was also got up against an unequal match, such as where there was great disparity in age between the bride and bridegroom. The charivari or 'shiveree' is not uncommon in the frontier districts of the United States.
Sometimes these customs were of such a licentious and violent character as to require military interference. As early as the 14th century the church was forced to threaten punishment, and even excommunication, against those who participated in them. In more recent times, the charivari, from its suggesting derision, ridicule, and satire, has come to be employed as the name of several satirical journals, the most famous among which is the CHARIVARI, which was established in Paris, December 2, 1832. Punch (q.v.) is the English Charivari.