The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1878-03-06
WEDDING GIFTS.
items Of Interest Concerning Nuptials In
Wales, Germany, Poland and Else.


| items Of Interest Concerning Nupt1ala In
Wales, Germany, Poland and Else.
| where.
Wedding presents, now 80 common
in the first stage of matrimony. have
come down from the feudal system. In
almost 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 ac-
ceptable. Rich people and feudal lords
would not object, on the bridal of their
daughters, to receive presents from their
vassals.
In different countries different modes.
The penny weddings, in Scotland, of
which Wilkie gave lively and accurate
idea in one of his domestic paintings,
are peculiar. Invited guests make con-
tributions in money. Zone shilling is.
the general tribute, and half q crown is
a princely offering.) Out of the sum
thus collected the not very costly e1-
penses 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 q man may he, 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
rict farmer this swells up to o 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 request that
all persons who, in time past, have been
similarly obliged in that manner, will at
tend, bringing presents for the bri Q
and groom. Besides this, particular and
almost peremptory invitations, in writ
ing, are sent to each household on whom
the to. he welded 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" ut which the bride receives her
guests with a basin before her, each
person depositing jewel, silver spoon
or piece OF money, at the same time
apologizing for the donation being 80
far below value, compared with the
damsel's deserts. In some parts of Ger
many the rule is that the expenses of
the marriage feast shall be met by each
guest paying for what he eats and drinks
just as if he were in hotel-but not
at fair hotel prices. Thus the entertain
ment sometimes extends over several
days, and the young couple often realize
sum out of the profits efficient to
start them fairly in life. From one to
three hundred guests are often present
throughout these festivities.
Sometimes the flow of presents takes
very different course. In Poland
lady is not regarded as eligible for
OOuDle DloSBouueSb uutu ouo Aoo
wrought with he, ,wn hands cloth and
garments for eacl of her future lords
friends (groomsnSn1 accompanying him
to the altar.
In Nora the clergyman has to be
propitiated with two or three bladders
Of mincemeat, made by the hands OF the
bride, and bottle or two of brandy. In
that country most presents made on we'd
ding occasions take the tangible form of
larder supplies-at least among the
peasantry and artisans.
In high life in England, of late years,
wedding gpresents have corae into fashion.
The Earl of Aberdeen, Scottish noble
man of immense wealth, recently mar
ried rich lady of high family. II 10
presents were valued at Ell S, 900 sterling,
SIS, 900 of our money, ancl the last news
from England mentions that this coun-
tess, careless of her spoiis, had taken
much of it-sa, to the valne of $50, 900
with her on railway journey, con-
triving to lose sight Of the chest which
contained the jewel cases, and finding,
at her journeys end, that some adroit
thief had forced the lock and escaped
with the treasure.