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. J
In start in married life certain neces-
saries in the way of furniture, napery,
crockery, and 50. on, were always &C
ceptable.s, Rich people and feudal lords
would not object, on the bridal Of their
daughters, to receive presents from their
vassals. s$ss rs----*.ss r. 49,
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
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
Door man may be, his pride revolts
from the appearance of poverty on such
an occasion. There is a collection, how
ever, to raise the sum for literally COM
pensating the clerical gentleman who
ahas 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 sdch
an event is to come off, with the where
and when, is duly advertised in the local
newspaper, with 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, flour, fuel,
table and chamber linen-even sheep,
lambs, calves, goats and ponies-are
among the gifts.
In Germany there is the "pay wed
ding" at which the bride receives he1
guests with basin before her, each per
son depositing jewel, silver spoon or a
piece Of money, at the same time apoiio
giving for the donation being, so tal
below value, compared with the damsel'
deserts. In some parts of Germany the
rule is that the expense Of the marriage
feast shall be met by each guest paying
for what he eats and drinks, just as II NJ
were in a hotel, but not at fair hote
hotel prices. Thus the entertainment
sometimes extends over several days
and the young couple often realize
sum out Of the profits. sufficient to star
them fairly in life. From loo to 5o'
guests are often present throughou
these festivities. |
Sometimes the flow Of presents take
different course. In Poland LADY
not regarded as eligible for double bles
sedness until she has wrought with ne
own hands cloth and garments for eac'
Of her future lords friends (groomsmen
/ accompanying him to the altar.
In Norway the clergyman has to b
PloplVldGtu Will GWO VI VAAS0 -,
of mince-meat, made by the hands OF Tn
bride, and bottle ortwo of brandy. l.
that country most presents made on wee
ding occasions take the tangible form .
larder supplies, at least among the pea
antry and artisans.
The Incentive to second and Th1r
Marry ing.
"A widow likes to get married again
she was happy with her first HUSBAND
because the taste of matrimony whic
she has had makes her anxious for mol
OF it; if she was unhappy with her hu
band she is eager to try a second one e;
the hope Of having better luck. II
second incentive to marriage is vel
strong, since there is yearning in u
human heart for companionship whlt
nothing short Of a happy marriage WI
satisfy, and everybody puts secret tru
IN the law Of compensation. 1t is tn
feeling which plunges divorced womt
INTO matrimony over and over again
"a The wild far west. A wife finds that 81
mas marrieda black-hai.ed man addict
! 70 the flowing bowl. and, growing d