The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-11-04
Gcrmany-A Rustic Wedding.

A gentleman writes to the Boston id
rertiser from the old town Of Esslengen, III
Wurtemburg, describing the rustic we'd
ding customs of the simple hearted Ger
man peasantry:
Marrying and being given in marriage is
the habit now, for this Is the time Tor wed
dings, and the good old Lutheran pastor
says he is kept very busy by his peasant
folk. We saw one morning two weddings:
one of peasant couple, where the pastor
used the Swabian dialect as best suited TO
those whom he bound together till death
doth them part. The second being another
class. he preached them sermon in pure
and elegant German, as our young ladies
told US. There is pleasant custom
among these Swabian people to bring lit
tie children and flowers prominently before
them in all their pleasures. Bridal pro-
ccssions are preceded by young children
with wreaths of flowers or green leaves,
then the betrothed foilow-thc maiden
dressed in black; it is of some silk stuff
her short dress is made, if well-to-do II
this worlds goods; if not, alpaca serves
her. black gloves, black shawl, ard
wreath of white flowers, and nosegay at
her pirdle. Her lover also wears black
suit, sometimes Of "tabhy velvet, with sill
yer gulden for buttons" bridal favor IN
his button-hole.
The bridesmaids follow, all in white,
with gay ribbons and wreaths OF flowers,
with an attendant friend also wearing brl-
dial fayors. Then come the fathers and mo-
theirs with relatives and friends; the bells
ON the old church mean while sending out
a merry welcome to peasant brides as well
as brides Of higher degree. On entering
the church the maiden is led by her lover
to a pew, where she sits, attended by her
bridesmaids and female friends. The
bridegroom with his companions mean
while take seats i'll pews opposite, while
the little children with their flowers are
placed near the altar. The old bell ceases
its gay clamor, and the pastor enters by Il
side door in his black robe, ascends the
pulpit, and reads the betrothcd good long
sermon in pure German or Swabiau, as his
Judgment dictates. He is an old man, and
dearly loved by his peasant folk; being a
ripe scholar, he INDUCES his fancy when he
knows those who have come to be joined
together in holy state Of matrimouy will
understand his fine periods and rich flow
Of language.
After the sermon, the pastor and the as
sembled group together bend in silent
prayer. He leaves the pulpit, and puts
over his black robe awhile linen surplice,
then goes to the altar, on which there is
laid Bible in leather case. The bride
groom leaves his seat for the pew where
the maiden sits, and leads her to the altar,
where the service is finished which makes
them husband and wife. On leaving the
altar the husband receives from the pas
tor the Bible, with an injunction to read
and be governed by its teachings diligently
and with the fear of God. He then dcpo-
sits in the receiving plate bit of money,
and the bridal party follow, each giving as
they please to the fund for purchasing
other Bibles for other husbands who may
come after. Every bridegroom, from
those who wear kingly crowns to the hum
blest peasant, receives Bible at the altar
when be plights his troth to his we'd
ded wife. The bride meets at the
church door, as it is opened for her TO pass
out, group Of children, her little friends,
who have gathered there, ready to offer
their gifts; some bright flowers, some
fruit, some cup and saucer, some plate,
a gay ribbon, spool of thread, or what
ever they may be pleased to bestow. These
they give to some one of the bridal party
to take to the brides new home. One
morning I heard a merry chattering IN the
street, and looking out of my window saw
a peasants bridal procession going with
the bridal gifts to the new home. Two
women carried on their head each new
mattress, others with large pillows covered
with bright colors, others with new baskets
of lnen-both bed and table linen. One
woman, quite tasty in her basket cover
ing, had the muslin curtains neatly folded,
and gay pin-cushion for hertgitt. A man
with a mirror, another with new basket
of china, while a poor, decrepid old pea
SAINT, bent with suffering and pain, had his
heart lighted for a little by a bright new
dust-pan aud brush he was taking for the
young people.