The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-03-10
w EDIpING SUITS.
Items of Interest Concerning NuptiaIs In
wales. Germany, Poland and
Elsewhere

Wedding presents, now so common in the
lirst stage OF matrlmony, nave come doWIf
from the feudaI system In almost all parts
of the civilized world such things are given
and received, and. we might add-expected
In q start in married life certain necessaries
In the way of furniture, napero crQekery, and
SO on were always acceptable: 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 contributions in money. One
shilling is the general tribute. and half q
crown is a princely offering. Out of the sum
thus collected the not very costly expenses Of
the feast were paid, and the surplus went to-
ward buying the furniture, o
In the weddings of the poorer classes in
Ireland this evying contributions on guests
never takes place, for, however poor a man
may beo his pride revolts from the appear
ance Of poverty on such an OCCASION There
is u collection, however, to raise the sum for
literally compensating the clerical gentleman
who has tied the knot and in the house Of
a rich farmer this swels up to Ygood round
sum.
In Wales. among the small farmers and
traders, the custom prevails to thisSday of
"bdding.' not single guests, but whole fam
lies. to a wedding. That such an event is to
come off, with the where and when,9s duly
advertised in the local newspaper, with Il
request that all persons who in times past,
have been similarly obliged in that manner,
will attend, bringing presents for the bride
and groom. Besides this, particular and al
most peremptory invitations Ia writing, are
sent to each household on whom the to-be-
welded folks may have some especial claim
for former generosity under like crcum-
stances. Presents of all sorts-food. furni-
ture, flour, fuel, table and chamber linen
even sheep, lambs calves, goats and ponies
are among the gifts. o
In Germany ttDre Is the "pay wedding at
which the bride receives her guests with
basin before her, each person deposting
jewel, silver spoon or u piece of money at the
same time apoogizing for the donation being
SO far below value, compared with tho dam
sells deserts In some parts of Germany the
rule Is that the expenses of the marriage feast
shall be met by each guest paying for what
he eats and drinks Just rs if he were in n
hotel-but not at fair hotel prices. Thus the
entertainment sometimes extends over sew
eaal days, and the young couple often realize
sum out of the profits sufficient to start
them fairly in life. From one to three hun
dred guests are often present throughout
these festivities.
Sometimes the low IN pres@ts takes Il very
different course. In Poland a lady is not re-
garded as eligible for double blessedness until
she has Wrought withoher own hands cloth
and garments for each of her future lords
friends (groomsmen accompanying him to
the altar.
In Norway the Clergyman has Ia be propi-
1ncat. made by the hands of the brideGand q
bottle or two of brandy. In that country most
presents made on wedding occasions take the
tangibe form of larder supplies. at least
among the peasantryond artisans
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