Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-05-31
THE CEREMONY OF TAKING THE VEIL
By AN EYE WITNESS.
Palermo,

| The CEkEMONY OF TAXING The VEIL
| BY AN EYE WITNESS.
Palermo, -.
MY DEAR M. On Sunday eyenin.
last, we had an invitation from the Duk'
and Duchess Of Montalba, to the Con
vent of the Sacred Virgins, to see two o
their daughters take the veil. When the
| daughters Of the S,lician nobility under
go this ceremony, it is customary for ths
royal family, and the nobility of rank
to attend by invitation of the parents.
The company so invited, occupy the par
lour, or entrance hall Of the convent.
The door which leads from the hall to
the interior Of the convent, is always
open on these occasions. On each side
Of the entrance sat the young ladies who
were now soon TO renouncc the world
and all its vanities One of them was
extremely beautiful--the other was fine
interesting girl, with sweet expression
Of counteuance. They were dressed in
court-drcsses, agreeably TO the custom
which prevails on these occasions.
The eldest daughter wore pink satin
slip, with lace dress Of the same color
thrown over it, which was richly en-
broidered with silver. Her neck was
nearly covered with diamonds, and her
bandeau was proiusely ornamented with
the richest Jewels. Her head-dress was
tasteful and elegant, beyond any thing |
had over seen, either in my own, or any
other country. Her hair, which was
dark brown, fell in ringlets down one
side Of her head and neck, and the whole
Of her tresses sparkled with diamonds.
A white lace veil, embroidered with sill
yer, was fastened on the hack of her
head with broach Of diamonds; n little
below the first fastening, the veil was
tastefully braided again with diamonds,
and irsm thence fell gracefully over her
shoulders down to her feet.
On the front OF her head, she wore rich
fedra of the largest diamonds had ever
seen, which were disposed of in the form
of a crown; in short, her head was nearly
covered with the most precious stones,
save where a few stray rlnglets crept
from among them over her beautiful
forehead. A plume of the bird Of para
disc, tas:eiully disposed on one side Of
her head. completed the coup d'cil Of her
dress. The other sister was dressed in
the same manner, with the exception
that her dress was white. Thus adorn-
ed the two females waited the approach
Of that hour which was destined TO shut
out the world, and all its hopes and Joys
forever. Immediately around the young
ladies', sat their mother and sisters, and
their nearest friends, all as richly habit.
ed as themselves, excepting the da-
monds, which, on this occasion, were all
literally heaped on the intended nuns.
All the visitors were dressed in the same
style Of splendor. Diamonds glittering,
and white plumes waving, threw over the
whole Of this part Of the convent gay
and brilliant effect, which was increased
by the profusion of lights, and still more
by the contrast produced by the simple,
sable habits Of the nuns, who crowded
the interior Of the room behind the two
sisters, who were thus splendidly deco
rated and numerously attended. wish
some eminent painter had been present
the scene altogether was wonderfully
imposing, and presented one of the most
interesting pictures l ever beheId.
You may probably imagine that this
religious ceremony, in connexion with
the idea Of something like an eternal
separation from the world, and all we
love within it, would have thrown mel
ancholy sadness over the party that were
here assembled. Nothing could possibly
exceed the gaioty and joy that prevailed
all around. The elder sister was in par
ticularIy high spirits. Her arch eye,
and lively countenance, appeared but i'll
adapted to a nun; they would have much
better become the coquettish Italian
beauty, laughing at world of lovers at
her feet. The younger was in good
spirits, but she wanted that archness and
playfulness which seemed natural to the
elder. Having taken refreshment, we
left the parler Of the convent and pro-
ceeded TO the church, where the ccrc-
mony Of taking the veil was to he per.
| formed.
On these occasions, the churches are
ornamentcd with great splendor. The
walls and columns are hung with rich
silks, which are literally covered will
gold and silver embroidery, and festoon.
ed with wreaths Of artificial howers.-
The altars are adorned with similar mag
nifcence. From the ceilings great mum
bers Of chandeliers are suspended, ant
the churches are full of lights, which
combined with the brilliant and sparkling
decorations Of the walls and columns
have, on the first entrance, more the ef
feet Of enchantment than reality.
! Previously 10 the ceremony commcnc
ing, which we had attended TO witness