Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1875-12-21
MENNONITE BRIDAL GER.
EMONIES.
Interesting Account of a Pleas.
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Correspondence Springfield Times.
OL1yET, Dec. 6, 1875.

correspondence ZINES.
OL1vEr, Dec. 6, 1875.
EDITOR 1sFF4MEs:-Ye Yestcrday, in COM
pany with about 3 halF7dozeas=othefs
from. Olivet, l went across the river
to Mr.. Chetters, in obedience to a
very pressing invitation. The occa-
sion was hocAite, Mr.. Paul Chetter
and Miss Hannah Hofer having con-
cludcd to travel the rest of life's rug
ged road together. The parties all
being Mennonites we were very cur
ious to witness one Of their most i'm
portant rites.
We were ushered into large room
in which large audience already as
scmbled were ranged along the sides
of the room, the men on one side and
women on the other, all dressed in
great simplicity, black or dark purple
being the favorite colors of the wo-
men. The services had already be-
gun. A sermon, singing and prayer,
all in German, formed the religious
part proceeding the marriage ccre-
mony. Not understanding the Ian.
guage ! used nv eyes to gather what
inform alton could. l discovered a
lady on my right dressed in lustrous
black alpaca, small white embroid.
cred handkerchief pinned around her
neck, her head bowed, and her face
concealed in handkerchief which
she held in her hand; her attitude
and dress impressed me with the idea
J, Of deep grief. ! began to think we
had made mistake and were at a
funeral instead Of wedding. l also
saw a young man seated near the
door, his gaze fixed on my mourner,
!, with tears rolling down his ruddy
checks. One of our number who
: understood informed me that the
Q discourse was very solemn, and al
e were exhortcd to cling to the manner.
!. and customs OF their ancestors. 4
J, short pause after the services, and tho
r minister arose aud said few words
: in a low tone, and Paul walked man.
fully forward aud stood before the
!. minister. Then there was another
!. pause, in which the would bel Bcne.
$ dict looked around -uncasii}y .fF1|,c he
preacher then said, "Hannah," )" and 10
). the "mourning" lady arose and stood
i by Paul. She still held her handkcr
chief over her mouth, but l got 8
). glimpse Of her eyes, which were Ger
;. tainly not very fearful, now began
J; to think that the sorrowful young mar
I; was some disappointed suitor, but in
u quiry dashed even that fancy to the
II ground, for he was only her brother
}. The ceremony consisted in questions
r which were all answered in the affirm
i ative. After Paul and Hannah wcr,
h made one, they resumed their seats @:
n opposite sides Of the house again, ane
cast sleeps eyes at each other durin!
;. the mournful chant which concluded
!, the services.
Z. The. girls now carried OIL the bride
Z. and when she returned, in place Of tn,
:. black kerchief she had on her head
y, was one nearly covered with roses an,
other bright flowers. She was nov
ready for congratulations, and til,
whole entertainment changed iron
grave to gay accordingly. Next tn
ID tables were spread with the simplicit
Of two hundred years ago, but th
bride wastfurnished with. plate GOV
cred with floral designs, which she re
ty turned with each course.
m Having satisfied our host that "
ed could eat and drink no more, we wer
lis allowed to depart. 1t was snovin
n some, and we were in fear of ,bli;
at zard, SO we did not stay to the merry
n. making which continued throughoy
to the evening. a GUEST.