Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1848-09-21
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IIaIess IAGI CEEZsAs cHy IN RUSSIA.
The marriage ceremony. however solemn 1t NAV
be cnaked with theatrical effect as to lose much of lis
spiritual sancliy. i would that The external
senses, rather than the feelings Of the heart and mind
were 10 be wrought upon or perhaps it is considered
that the feelings are only impressed by The agency Of
the senses. BE this as il may, marriage is drawing
room sccne under priestly auspices Law friyoli,es
are lntermngled with ecclesiastical pagentry and the
theatrical effect is enhanced by lis being an evening
performance. The exterior Of the church is iumi,
mated but the brilancy outside is eclipsed by the
blaze Of the interior. which, studded with candles and
chandeliers, looks like saloon of pleasure than
temple OF worship. The guests and friends invited
to be present appear IN ull dress, and marshaled
10 the respective side OF the building Appropriated 10
them by Of the ceremonies appointed for The
occasion the friends ofeach ofthe contracting parties
being grouped together either side leaving The CEN
ire free fer there are neither pews seats Of any
kind in the fslssian churches. The entrance Of the
bridegroom is welco6 ed by chant from the choris.
ters. who take leading part in the ceremony no in
surmenial music being allowed in the Greek church
es; and bridesnlan immediately hurres 10 The resi-
deHce OF The BRIDE to notify that her intended is await
ing her. This is often intimaed gracefully and silent
y By the presentation Of boquei OF flowers On The
brides arrival, the chorisers again chant welcome
aud she takes her place among her friends. The dress
OF the bride IS as sumPtuous jewels and the most
costly articles can make it II the means OF her family
admit oil such display. She is ushered into the as
semby by kind Of procession, headed BY one of her
own family, bearing before him the richly ornamen-
Ted picture OF her, which is destined TO occupy cor
ner of her future apartment, and which during the
cetemoney, Is placed on the high alter. small tenn
porarg alter or reading desk covered with rose col
ored silk and ornamened with silver fringe and lace
is placed ia the ceure OF the pasquet at which the
priest osheateS The service is long, and consists in
reading the lives OF Abraham and Sarah an exhoria-
ton to The new couple, and much singing. The rings
are exchanged at the beroha and therefore that SYM
Dol forms no part OF the service. The pair, bearing
apers, ia their bands, aud having large gilt crowns
held over their heads, walk thrice around the altar
grasping The priests robes, and during the exhora-
on they stand on large piece OF rich silk which be-
comes the pcTqnise Of the priest. This portion of
the ceTemOney being concluded. the sacrament ad-
minisered ard lleuew married couple proceed to the
grand altar, where they PROSTATE themselves, with
oreheads the ground before the various pictures
the SAINTS, and kiss them with many crossings and
genuhexions The congratulations oil the friends now
follow the line of demarcaon is broken through, and
all parties assembled. both and women, kiss each
other. A brilliant supper awaits the whole patty at
the house Generally OF the parents of the bride; dan
cling is kept up 10 a late hour, and not unrequently
the pleasures ,he table degenerate into SUI
person permits Of only certain days for the perform
ance OF The marriage ceremony are being taken TO
AVOID The eve ofany fast or particular parade day.
Previous TO the marriage, the betrohed naturally
subject 10 the quzzlngs and sly Jokes Of their friends,
including one very singular custom, 10 which they
expected 10 conform. Al the dinner table, il any
filling his glass les ''Gotkoe, gorkoe Glitter
ber,) the bridegroom cleo, is considered bound To
remedy the aledged evil by kissing his intended
Life ia Russia