The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1848-10-26

THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY IN RUssIA.-The
marriage ceremony, however solemn il may be ac-
counted as one of the offices OF the church, rs so
cloaked with theatrical effect to lose much of its
spiritual sanctLy. II would seem that the external
senses rather than the feelings Of the heart mind
Were to be wrought upon; or perhaps 1t is consl-
sidered that the feelings are only impressed by the
agency of the senses. Be this as it may, marriage
is a drawing room scene, under prestly auspices
Law friyoties are interminged with ecclesiastical
pageantry; and the theatrical effect is enhanced by
lis being an evening performance. The exterior OF
the church is illuminated; but the brIllIancy out
side is eCIipsed by the blaze OF the interior, which,
studied with candles and chandeliers, looks more
like a saloon of pleasure than temple OF worship.
The guests and friends invited to be present appear
in full dress and are marshalled 10 the respective
sides of the building appropriated to them by mas
Ter of the ceremonies appointed Tor the occasion
the friends Of each of the contracting parties being
grouped together either side, leaving the centre
free for there are neither peWs nor seats oil any
kind in the Russian churches. The entrance OF
the bridegroom is welcomed by a chant from the
choristers who take a leading part IN the ceremo-
nv no instrumental music being allowed IN Inc
Greek churches and a brldesman Immediately
burries TO the residence of the bride to notify that
her intended is awaiting her. This IS often lntl-
mated gracefully and silently by the presentation OF
a borIqTet of flowers. On the brides arrival, the
chOristers again chant welcome, and she takes
her place amongst her friends. The dress OF Tue
Is a s
articles can make it. if the means OF her family adj
nit of such a display. She is ushered into the as
sembly by kind of procession, headed DV one oil
her own family bearing before HIM the richly orna-
mented picture of her SAINT which IS destined 10 &C
cupy a corner of her future apartment, ana WINCH
| during the ceremony, is placed on the hgh allar
A small Temporary altar or reading desk, covered
with rose coOred silk, and Ornamented win silver
fringe and lace is placed in the centre OF the par
| auet at which the priest ofciates. The service Is
long and consists in reading the lives OF Abraham
| and Sarah an exhoratiOn TO the new couple, ana
! much singing. The rings are exchanged at the
hoirnthal and therefore that symbol forms no part
| of the service The pair, bearing lighted taPers IN
their hands, and having large gilt crowns held over
their heads walk thrice round the altar, gIdsplng
the priests robes and during the eXhortalon they
stand @ d large piece of rich silk, which becomes
! the pSEsuiste of the priest ms portion OF the
cerSRonv being concluded, the sacrament Is admin
istered and the new married couple proceed to the
grand altar, where they PROSTATE themselves, WIN
forebeads to the ground before the various pictures
| of the saints, and kiss them with many crossings
and genuhexi0ns The congratulations OF the
! friends now follow; the line OF demarcauoh IS Dro-
| ken through and all parties assembled, both men
and women kiss each other A brilliant supper
awaits the whole party at the house generally OF
the pareDts of the bride dancing is kept up to a
late hour and not unlrequeny the pleasures OF the
table degenerate into excuses. superstition per
mits of0nIy certain days for the performance OF te
| marriage ceremony; care being taken 10 AVOID the
| eve of any fast or particular prayer day Previous
to the marriage the betrothed parties are naturally
| subject to the quiZZings and sly Jokes OF their
friends including very singular custom 10
| which they are expected to conform. Al the dlH-
ner table, if any one on tilllng MS glass cries.
| "Gorkee gOrkee' (btter, bitter,) the bridegroom
| elect IS considered bound TO remedy the alleged
evil by kissing his ntended-Llte IN Russia, or me
| Discipline Of DcSDOtSm