The Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1852-1853, 1853-01-26
Marriage Ceremony in Russia.

/ 40 SANSSANAs
The marriage ceremony, however solemn
il may be accounted, as one Of the Offices OF
the church, Is so cloaked with theatrical ef-
feet as to lose much of It's spiritual sanctity.
1t would seem that thei x: ernal senses,
rather than the feelin rs Of tie heart and
mind, were to be wrought upon; or perhaps
it is considered that the feelings are only
impressed by the agency of the senses. Be
this as it may, marriage is drawing room
scene, under priesdy auspices; lay friyolilies
are intermngled with ecclesiastical pagean.
try, and theatrical effect is enhanced by its
being an evening performance The exteri.
or of the church illuminated. but the bril-
liancy outside is eclipsed bv the blaze of the
interior, which, studded with candles and
chandeliers, looks mors Ike a saloon of plea
sure, than temple of worship. The guests
and friends invited 10 be present appear in
/ ftFtfdfess, and are marShaIlcd to the respec-
tive sideo of the building apprc priated TO them
! by master OF the ceremonies appointed
for the occasion; the friends Of each Of the
contracting parties being grouped together
on either side, leaving the centre free-for
there are neither pews nor seats of any kind
in the Russian churches. The enterance OF
the de-groom is welcomed by a chant
| from the choristers. who take a leading part
in the ceremony, no instrumental music be-
| ing allowed in the Greek churches; and a
bridesman immediatly hurIies to the resi-.
dehte of the bride to notify her that her in
tended is waiting her. This is often init,
mated gratefully and silently by the presen-
tation Of boquet of flowers.
On the BRIDES arrival, the choristers
again chant welcome, and she takes her
place amongst her friends. The dress Of the
bride is as spontaneous as jewels and the
most costly articles can makeit, if the means
Of her family admit such display. She is
ushered in to the assembly by kind of pro-
cession, headed by one of her own family,
bearing betere him the richly ornamented
picture Of her saint, which is destined to oc-
cupy corner of her future apartment, and
which, during the ceremony, is placed on
the highater. A small temporary altar, or
readingdesk, covered with rose colored silk,
and ornamented with silver fringe and lace,
is placed on the centre Of pasquet at which
the priest oficiates. The service slong, cor
sists in reading the lives of Abraham and
Sarah, an exhortation to the new couple, and
much singing. The rings are exchanged at the
betrothal, and therefore thai 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 around the altar, grasping the
priests robes, during the exboration they
stand on large piece Of rich silk, which be-
comes the prequislte of the priest. Tnis
portion Of the ceremony being concluded,
the sacrament is administered and the new
married couple proceed to the grand altar,
where they PROSTATE themselves, with fore
heads to the ground, ~before tire various
pictures of the saints. and kiss them, with
many crossings and genAexions.
The congratulations of the friends now
follow; the line of dcmarcation is broken
through, and all parties assembled, both men
and women, Kiss each other, A brilliant
supper awaits the whole party 1T the house
! (generally) Of the parents Of bride; dancing
is kept up to late hour, and notunfrequent-
| Iy the pleasures of the table degenerate into
excess. Superstition admits of only certain
days for the performance Of the marriage
ceremony, care being taken to avoid the
eve of any fast or particular prayer day
Previous to the marriage, the betrothcd par
ties are naturally subject to the quizzing
and sly jokes of their friends, including one
very singular custom, to which they are ex.
pected to conform. At the diuner table, if
any one on filing his glass cries "Gorlioe,
gorkoe," (bitter, bitter,) the bridegroom e.
Iect is considered bound to remedy the al
legged evil by kissing his ed.-Lys IA
RuSSia.