Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1871-01-18
The .yvea.sh sr.rriags Ceremony.

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MARRIAGE is the one great event 10 the
life of Swedish peasant. Icere a'o
innumerable marriage customs. varying
in differ.n, districts. Sometimes the
preliminary courtsbrp is conducted oy
tonepaan, or asker" 1t Is usually :,
shrewd, elderly peasant, who knows all
about the affairs Of the neighborhood.-
If the proposed sutton is likely to be &C
ceptable to the maiden aud her parents,
the 5oneman brings him TO the house
The. young people must not on tp's oc
cason speak to one another. or seem 10
have any idea of the purport OF the vl-it
Afterward, if the matters 60 on FAVOR
ably, public betrothal takes place, the
groom presenting the bride elect with a
prayer book, and receiving in, return
some article wrought by her own bands.
This betrothal is sort of half marriage,
but it may be set aside by the consent OF
both parties. The wedding proper does
not usually take place for some time; IN
some parts indeed not till 6Lekndt that IS,
literally bleached or turned pale" a
euphemistic phrase indicating that she is
likely to become mother. The Church
has sci its face resolutcly against this
custom, but apparently with less success
than is desirable
The wedding takes place either at
church, the parsonage, or at the house OF
the brides parent, If it is TO be solemn
lied 10 church, the bridal procession,
mounted on horseback, and preceded by
musicians, ride thrice around the MCj
Stang, and proceed to the sacred ed'fice,
in front of which triunphal arch is
often erected If the wedding IS to
take place at home, the clergyman and
friends of the groom meet at his house,
whence, after being Hospitality entertain
ed, they proceed to tho home Of the
bride.
The brds, Of course. is arrayed in heI
best, one Distinguishing article of attire
being the bridal shoes" which must be
made without buckles or ties, in order
she may escape a difficult child birth. A
silver col ought to be placed in each
shoe, which will insure that money shal
never be wanting to the young couple. -
AS soon as she has put on her shoes she
ought to go the cattle house and milk
one of the cows, so that mix may never
fail in her new home.
The bride ought, if possible. 10 get a
peep at The groom through her wedding
ring before he sees her; this will insure
that he prove kind husband. If she
means to have tue upper hand 10 the
household, she ought. while the ceremony
is going on, to have her foot little in
advance of his, aud drop glove OF
handkerchief; if be stoops to pick it up,
he will be fatel to bend bis back during
the whole welded life.
While the nnptial preparations are 90
ing on. one Should not make noise with
n well pole. a this would lead to quar-
rels among the guests. 1t is advisable
also. to set couple of boys fighting,
near the honse; this will iusnre that the
guests will not quarrel.
After the marriage has been performed
there is great feastiDg at the bride-house
This often lasts several days. the guest:
bringing the eatables. If the feast i:
prolonged too far, the hostess sets before
the guests large rice pudding. This is
understood as n delicate hint that they
are expected to leave. and is Away.
cheerfully complied with. - HarperS
Magazine for January.