The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1866-01-12
A Malay w edding.

people of all ages and sexes are seen
rushing to their doors and windows to
view wedding cortege as it passes, some
readers may possibly feel interested with
the description of Malay wedding at
which I happened to be present several
years ago.
Feeling rather tired of the somewhat
monotonous occupation Of walking about
and seeing little new at Singapore, l was
heartily glad when one day meeting with
friend, he told me that he had been in
vited to native wedding and asked INC to
join him.
Not having witnessed anything Of the
kind before, not even an English one
for | had entered the navy when very
youpg-I was much pleased with the op-
portunity thus afforded me of gratifying
my curiosity, and therefore gladly accept
ed the Invitation.
Accordingly, at six o'clock in the
evening, my friend and / started on our
expedition. The brides house was situa-
ted in the country, about two miles from
the town. The evening was fine, and
cool breeze had succeeded to the intolera-
bic heat of II tropical mid.day sun. We
logged on quietly together, smoking our
cheroots and enjoying the balmy fra
GRANGE of the breeze, which brought with
it pleasant odor of tropical flowers and
fruits.
My companion, who had been for some
years resident on these islands, gave me
little information respecting the mar
riage ceremony of the Mulays.
"MaIriages amongst these people" he
said, "are conducted in quite different
manner from those of Europeans. There
is no religious service performed, except
ing that the bridegroom hos to pay to the
chief priest certain sum of money, &C.
cording to his meaLs, in return for which
he receives written document, which is
equivalent to marriage certificate
There is neither outward show nor pro-
cession of gaily decorated carriages and
gaily dressed people. The bride remains
at home, where she awaits the appearance
Of the bridegroom, who in duo time is es-
corted to her house by his friends.
As we approached the house we could
hear the sounds Of festivity ; the native
goDgs and tambourines were heard inter-
mingIing their discordant notes with those
of the more civilized violin, on which in-
slrument the Malays arc expert peform-
ers.
The house was large, built OF wood, and
erected some few feet above the ground on
piles or posts, as is the prevailing fashion
with Malay houses.
On entering we were ushered into
spacious and well-hghted room, in which
mixed company had already assembled,
consisting of Europeans, Malays, half,
castles, and a small sprinkling OF Chi
nese. / was introduced to tho host and
hostess, and of course apologized for my
appearance, I being an unlimited guest /;
but was Immediately placed at my ease
by their assurance of hearty welcome.
I looked round tho room for the bride
and bridegroom, but none could | see who
came up to my imaginary ideas of a happy
newly-married couple. was disappoint-
ed at not seeing them, but was soon reas.
sured by the host, who had evidently OBJ
served my inquiring glances, and told me
that should be presented to them iu due
time.
Tables and chairs are articles of luxury
not much INDUCED in by Malays, their
favoritc mode of resting being 10 squat
down cross legged ON mats spread on the
floor. A few chairs, however, were there
for the accommodation OF the half caste
ladies' Of the party, who in their white
muslin dresses, disdained the before men,
toned primitive mode of reposc. Or ia
bies there were two or three, spread out
with various kinds Of fruit and sweet
meats. The Malays aud Chinese, staid
money making persons, were squatted on
the mats, chewing the betel-nut, (without
which both Malays and Chinese seem out
Of their element and talking over their
different bargains, or quoting the prices of
opium, silks, aud other articles of trade.
At one end of the room was grouped a
knot of the Joghut or dancing-girs of the
country, who deckei out in tinsel and
flowers, were dancing to the sound of the
tambouripe, which they struck as they
danced, at the same time improvisipg songs
in praise of the happy pair
After the guests had all assembled, tea
and cakes were handed round to them
The bride and bridegroom had, however,
not mado their appearance, and | began to
imagine that some unforeseen event hal
occurred to prevent their appearing
After short time, however, l observed
that several Of the guests had been taken,
Two at time, out of the room by the host
and hostess, and shortly afterwards return
ed. At last tho host approached me, and
speaking in the Malay language, said
tina he would now introduce me to the
hero and heroine Of the day and accord.
iugly followed him through side,aoor
iuto long narrow room.
Along the whole length of this room
were spread mats of various gay colors on
which were laid out every description of
edible, including even basins of rice, as