Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-04-18

Sin Esthonia, a province of the Russian empire,
where the girls consider marriage The one great
object to be coveted, attained and prepared for
from the earliest dawn of their suscrptibilities,
they spin and weave at their outfit, frequently for
ten years ceore their elpmate is forthcoming this
outht extends to whole wardrobe full of ker-
chiefs, gloves, Stockings, etc. When they have
formed an acquaintance to their liking. the occa-
sion having been usually of their own ereartng,
they look tprward with inpatience to the moment
OF The proposal being made. But there is one sea-
s'n only, The period of the new moon, when an
olier can be rendered nor is any tine SO much
preferred Tor marriage as the period of the full
moon. The plenipos in the business of an offer
are generally couple of the suitur's friends, or
else his parents, who euter the maids homestead
with mead and brandy in their hands, On their
approach the gentle maiden conceaIs herself, warn
Ing having been given in due form by some an
cient dame the plenpos never make direct an
nouncemen OF the purpose of their mission, but in
most cases tell the girls parents some story about
lamb or an eve which has got as,ray, and they
desire to bring home again. The parents imme-
dlately invite them 10 drink, yowing that they
know nothing Of the stray creature il they decline
to drink with them, 1t is sign. either that they
have no inclination for The match, or that their
daughter has whispered them her heart has no
room lor The youth in question. But if all are Of
one mind. the parents set merrily 10 work on the
mead and brandy, and give the suilor's enyoys
free license TO hunt out the stray lambkin.-
When caught, she is also expected to taste of the
cup, and from that moment the bridegroom be-
comes at liberty to visit his BRIDE He makes his
appearance, therefore, few days afterwards
bringing presents Of all kinds with him, together
with ring which lie places on the maiden's finger
as his betrothed.
'"The Cops have custom of be,roihing girls
at six or seven years of age, which is done by
putting ring upon their finger but permission is
afterwards obtained for her friends to educate her
until she arrives at the age of discretion.
"ln Persia, ring is among the usual marriage
presents on the part Of the bridegroom.
"Itis said, that in Spain, every girl who has
attained the age of twelve may compel young
man 10 marry her, provided ne has reached his
fourteenth year. and she can prove. for instance,
that he bas promised her his hand, and given
her to understand lhathe wished her TO become
his wife. These proofs are adduced before an &C.
celesistical vicar. A present of ring isconsider-
ed sufficient prnof to em Bile the girl 10 claim her
husband If the vicar prononnces the marrisge
ought to take place, the youth. who has been
previously sent 10 prison. cannot be liberated un-
Ill after the celebration.
"Dr. Clark, in his travels in Russia, describes
the marriage at Ackmeichet, OF Professor Pallas'
daughter with Hungarian general, according 10
the rites of the Greek Church. After ascertain
ing as to ties of blood between them and volun-
tary consent, bible and crucifx were placed be-
fore them, and large lighted wax tapers, decorated
with ribbons. put into their hands.
''After certain prayers had been read, and the
ring put upon the BRIDES finger the floor was COW
cred BY piece of scarlet satin, and placed before
them, with The communion vessels. The priest
having tied their hands together with bands of
the same colored satin. and placed chaplet of
fnwers upon their heads, administered the sacra-
ment, and afterwards led them, thus bound To-
gelher, three times round the communion table,
followed by the father and the bridesmaids. Du-
ring this ceremony. the cheristers chanted hymn,
and after it was concluded. scene of general kiss
ing took place among all present, etc."-History
and Poetry Of Finger Rings