ENPages
p. 41
40
...costume we had not seen. There were trousers and a skirt to the knees with a long wide belt wound about the waist, and the stiff hat seen on the street was worn with it. We inquired for our friend and we escorted to the hall which was filled with women and girls, all in their gala dress. In the center was a platform. We were given seats near by and found amusements in watching the sparkling, glittering dresses. Then came a procession of pretty bridesmaid costumes not different from that of her guests. They bore a tray loaded with things I do not know just what. They marched out into the yard and to the groom who was seated with...
p. 42
41
...the men. He was dressed like all the other men, but heavy wreaths of flowers were around his neck and he carried a bouquet. The man held the gifts from the bride, the band played Marching Through Georgia and Old Folks at Home for their march. When they returned they brought a tray of gifts from the groom to the bride. Her mother-in-law placed large diamond earings in her ears as these were on the top of the pile. The other gifts were dresses and evidently elegant ones at last after much waiting, the groom and the priests came. Two chairs facing each other stood in the middle of the platform. The groom sat in one. Then they held before him a curtain of white, and behind it the maids...
p. 43
42
...brought the bride. The priests, the Bishop (distinguished by a shawl thrown over the shoulder) and the bridesmaids and mother-in-laws stood so closely around the two chairs we could see little but the cloth was held up between them, while a thread was wound around them 25 times. Then it was tied, literally tying them hence together. Then the Bishop or High Priest said things, and as he did so, he and a priest each threw small handfuls first of pounded almonds, then rice, then shredded cocoanut over the two. Meanwhile he expressed in rather extended speech the things which these articles represent. The almond...
p. 44
43
...stands for oil which settles the troubled waters and [illegible] peace. Rice means plenty, and the cocoanut, everything one can desire, since it is food, drink, clothing, and shelter. Then blessings were pronounced upon the flower laiden pair, kisses were given, and then came many people who gave gifts to the mother-in-laws for the young pair. Meanwhile, during the ceremony when no one could see or hear, they brought us some little refreshment. The guests will have a great feast this evening and then the bride goes with her husband to his house. One of the mother-in-laws brought...
p. 45
44
...beautiful wreaths of flowers, roses (red) and white jasmine very sweet, and put them on the necks of all the Europeans (5) present. This they do when they wish to honor a person. These wreaths are strung on a string and gold thread woven in so that it glitters among the flowers like small glow worms. We wore them home and were very grateful that we had had such an opportunity. The young bride was a grand daughter of the man who gave the [illegible] Hospital for women and children and it was a really high class wedding. About 400 persons were present. It has been a great day we think.
