The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1878-04-23
wedding Suits.

Wedding presents, now so common in
the first stage of matrimony, have come
down from the feudal system. In al
most all parts of the civilized world such
things are given and received, and we
might add expected. -,
In start in married life certain neces-
saries in the way of furniture, napery,
crockery, and SO on, were always &C.
ceptable.1. Rich people and feudal lords
would not object, on the bridal of their
daughters, to receive presents from their
vassals.. ,.-....-s r..
In different countries different modes
prevail. The penny weddings in Scot
land, of which Wilkie gave lively and
accurate idea in one of his domestic
paintings, are peculiar. Invited guests
make contributions in money. One shil-
ling is the general tribute, and half a
crown is princely offering. Out of the
sum thus collected the not very costly
expenses Of the feast were paid, and the
surplus went toward buying the furni-
ture.
In the weddings of the poorer classes
in Ireland, this levying contributions on
guests never takes place, for, however
poor a man may be, his pride revolts
from the appearance of poverty on such
an occasion. There is collection, how
ever, to raise the sum for literally COM
pensating the clerical gentleman who
has tied the knot" and in the house of
a rich farmer this swells up to a good
round sum.
In Wales, among the small farmers
and traders, the custom prevails to this
day Of bidding" not single guests, but
whole families to wedding. That such
an event is to come of, with the where
and when, is duly advertised in the local
newspaper, with a request that all per-
sons who, in times past, have been SINH
larly obliged in that manner, will attend,
bringing presents for the bride and bride
groom. Besides this, particular and
almost peremptory invitations, in writ
ing, are sent to each household on whom
the to-be-wedded folks may have some
especial claim for former generosity
under like circumstances. Presents of
all sorts-food, furniture, -four, fuel,
table and chamber linen-even sheep,
lambs, calves, goats and ponies-are
among the gifts.
In Germany there is the "pay we'd
ding" at which the bride receives her
guests with basin before her, each per-
son depositing jewel, silver spoon or a
piece Of money, at the same time apollo
giving for the donation being so far
below value, compared with the damsels
deserts. In some parts of Germany the
rule is that the expense of the marriage
feast shall be met by each guest paying
Tor what he eats and drinks, just as if he
We're in hotel, but not at fair hotel
hotel prices. Thus the entertainment
sometimes extends over several days,
and the young couple often realize a
sum out of the profits. sufficient to start
them fairly in life. From 100 to $40
guests are often present throughout
these festivities.
Sometimes the flow of presents takes
different course. In Poland a lady is
not regarded as eligible for double bles-
sedness until she has wrought with her
own hands cloth and garments for each
u her future lords friends (groomsmen)
accompanying him to the altar.
In Norway the clergyman has to be
pIropltiated with two or three bladders
OF mince-meat, made by the hands of the
pride, and bottle ortwo of brandy. In
mat country most presents made on we'd
3alng occasions take the tangible form of
larder supplies, at least among the peas
antry and artisans.
hn
A"e incentive to Second and Third
Marrying.
A widow likes to get married again if
s sle was happy with her first husband,
because the taste of matrimony which
she has had makes her anxious for more
p b II; if she was unhappy with her hus-
t tand she is eager to try a second one in
.ne nope OF having better luck. The
st incentive to marriage is very
sS.fong, since there is yearning in the
lunar nuhan heart for companionship which
s uutnlng short of happy marriage will
ii ia sly and everybody puts secret trust
f e. tne law OF compensation. It is this
; ;ptllhg which plunges divorced women
INV mi1atrlmony over and over again in
b bae wlld tar west. A wife finds that she
,'"s :, married black-hai, ed man addicted
uu, me flowing bowl, and, growing dis
ef SS.eu with him, she shakes off the yoke
froo mlatrlmony. The first impulse of
WIZ Is to search for Good Templar
L- n