Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1870-11-26

Sfseee'
rHI CIRIN0NY OF rRI BH1RorHAL OF A


BRIDE.
A correspondent writes from Greece:
We we're watching, with great interest,
the dances Of The peasant girls out on the
level green, and oommenting upon the
picturesque dresses Of the maideus and
men, when suddenly We perceived they
were oil edging their way quietly of to.
ward . particular dwelling that stood near.
or the sca. On inquiring, We learned that
there was 10 be = betrothal that aiternoou,
. ceremony that according 70 customs here,
takes place . few days before marriage.
And We we're very pleasantly Informed
that Il would not be considered 1t al an
Intrusion If We, strangers ~ We were,
should seek to be present. Of course, w
hurried on with the rest.
As We came out through the ruins,
standing upon the high slope of the hill,
the spectacle that suddenly flashed upon
10 was siugularly beautiful. I never saw
the water 90 exquisitely blue ~ it was
looking towards the Straits of Salaims.
AID right between our outlook and the
beach lay half mile Of rich greeusward,
variegated At points with brown rocks
jutting through. The yellow sunlight lay
almost palpitsting and palpable among the
grass. More than sixty or hundred men
and women, mostly maidens Of the village,
ip holiday dress, were thronging the path
leading to the white dwelling, or already
wandering IN compact little groups on the
spaces around it. We lost no time in join.
ing them, and soon reached the spot.
Aud before long most courteous invita-.
ton was brought Us, that We should one and
all enter it.
We found ourselves rising a stairway
In the presence Of fifty or more guests,
male aud female, in long. n2frow room.
We were politely furnished with chairs,
but the others, we observed, sat on mats
around low tables ranged 10 two rows
alosg the length Of the apartment, the
men on one side, the women on the other.
They were at the moment partaking Of the
feast. They brought in several plates Of
bread and weat, and afterwards resinous
sort Of vine. It was not only palatablc,
but very good. And while We continued
eating. the CATER Of Albanian tongues gil.
ing the intervals Of the courses, two indie.
fatigable musicians, perchcd high on a
sort Of divan. played lively music, violin,
accompanied by hind Of Tyre trimmed
ingeniously with quill or weed.
Before long the bride came in, aud was
sedately conducted to place at the head
ofthe company, where she remained stand
ing. 1t is unyracious to say she was not
handsome; but then they seem to have 4
most absurd custom Of keeping the young
woman, who is in her most interesting sit
uation. entirely silent. She is actually not
allowed to speak word for several days,
and it is not modest even to lift hor eyes.
Hence tho attitude in which she was re.
tanned was not advantageous, and l am
bound to say she looked little demoralixed
among so many unchecked maidens grazing
her presence. After . little. one Of the
young men arose from his place to bcstow
his bridal gift He had two or three sill.
yer coins strung on a ribbon he camc up
bashfully and tied them arosRd her neck.
Then he offered his hand. the back Of
which she bent to touch with her forehead,
kissed it without looking up, and he re.
tired. So they all came. each in turn.
quietly but kindly leaving their coips,
tying them on the FIRST which hung de.
pendent on her breast. She made not the
slightest gesture Of help, though one or
two fumbled good deal. But most vi.
vacious little woaan at her side did the
honor ia her behalf. aud was Of cssestial
aid Whenever a. awkwardaess became i'm.
mincnt. We watche this most interest.
ing ceremony for . while, thinking how
much more sensible il 10 to give brides
presents 10 cash; then I - commissioned
10 hear the bssedictioos Il our party to
her Among the coins which her hus-
hand received, he no doabt discovered the
Nspoleoss thsss Gagem tied on; and
among the vavioss rsssska able memorials
this right hand win erermcve bear j. that
Of the kiss an Alabamian bride delivered,
about two inches below the ring hngcr
kuuckle.