Legend has it that in the year 1066 (approximately) King William of Britain was saved by a chimney sweep, who pushed him out of the way of a runaway horse and carriage.
As a reward, the king invited the chimney sweep to his daughter's wedding. Ever since it has been considered to be good luck to have a chimney sweep at a wedding or special event, or even visit your house.
In addition, the king declared all chimney sweeps to be lucky, and allowed their profession only to wear top hats, which was a custom previously reserved for royalty and the gentry. It then became lucky for a sweep to wear 13 buttons on his jacket, and legend has it that a sweep can cancel out any bad luck.
That may all be right for Great Britain, on the Continent berets were a much more common attire for chimney sweeps (a lot more practical than a top hat while balancing on roof tops).
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