The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-08-25

buy some calico for Sunday dress. I
Know an Old couple, parents Of num-
Der of grown-up children, who at GER
tam seasons in the year, as regularly as
clock-work, are intoxicated Every
thing that is found in the house is taken
to the tavern and exchanged for vodka,
and thus by the time they begin to real
Ize their horrid position, good portion
OF OF linen, grain, flour and eggs is gone.
The husbands anger then knows no
limits, and the poor feeble wife, who
probably is the least to blame, suffers
from her lord all insults imaginable. I
know quiet and peaceful young
peasant, who after being constantly
ridiculed by his comrades for being too
lenlent with his wife. for allowing her
to have too much to say, slapped her
face upon one solemn occasion in the
presence Of his friends merely for the
sake Of denying this degrading accusa-
ton and establishing his reputation as
her master Such is the lot of peas
ant woman. She is perfectly aware of
the i'll treatment awaiting her in her fu-
ture home, yet she is satisfied and re-
signed to her fate,
Oftentimes, however. it happens that
a peasant marries not only without hay
ing the faintest idea OF the girls char
acter, but almost without having had q
chance to exchange few words with
her. This is generally done at the time,
when for some reason or other. there is
no possibility of marrying any of the
girls of his own village, and when
marry he must. On fine morning the
bridegroom, dressed up in his best
wooden svita, with the brightest red
colored belt, high sheepskin hat and
newest of boots, may be seen proudly
starting out in company with few
elderly and experienced peasants en-
gagged for this purpose by the BRIDE
groom's parents, in search Of good
girl. No house containing a girl is
passed by.
Upon entering the house the wife
hunting party say few words of GUS
tomary salutation, such as "health be
to you, good people" and Immediately,
without beating around the bush, ap-
proach the subject. This business-like
transaction, it is worth while mention
ing, is often carried on in the absence
Of the girl directly concerned in the
matter. The bridegroom upon such oc-
casions is supposed to have but little or
nothing TO say. The conversation is
carried on between the parents of the
girl and those entrusted with this inn
portant mission. If the girls parents,
for some reason or other, do not intend
to let their child be married at present
the guests are politely told so, and after
inquiring if there are any suitable girls
in that Immediate neighborhood they
leave the house. AS general thing,
however, the party experiences no diff
ticulty in obtaining the object desired.
After the parents have decided the girl
is summoned at once, and here fire.
quently ensues scene worthy Of an art
lists brush. She takes her place by the
stove and without lifting her eyes, bit
ing her nails and assuming the most in
nocent face, frequently keeps the party
waiting for long while before the
laconic Eyes" (da) isextorted from her.
There is hardly need of adding that
when once the parents decision is made
no PRAYERS or tears on the girls part
can alter it. A rope and strap brings
the most stubborn tchado to terms.
As soon as the busy season is over the
marriage season takes its place. 1t gen
orally lasts from the middle of Septem
Der till late in November. The young
folks begin to prepare themselves fol
J the approaching festivities. Women
have their hands full in preparing vari
/ Gus fancy baked dishes and other thing:
, suitable upon such occasions-men II
bottlng the vodka, engaging musicians
and working about the house. The vii
} lage, which only few weeks ago looked
as though it were forsaken, assumes nov
gay and lively appearance. Every
/ villager is now more or less in a state
of excitement. But here the bride
dressed in brocaded short skirt with
, half dozen folds, in charming long
/ or sleeveless garment called korsyet. hel
hair full of bright and streaming rib
, bons and flowers, starts out, accom-
panied by her girl friend, called druzhka
, to invite her relatives and friends to the
|, wedding: Every one she meets, whether
5 friend or stranger, is greeted with bow
{ nearly to the ground. That means ''Yor
! ore welcome, good people, to attend my
| wedding" Very often used to avail
/ myself Of such opportunities. What IN
terested me most the first time
attended peasants wedding
t was the sight of the lively Grove
5 that surrounded the izba (hut>
5 where the wedding took place, The
gloomy and stern expression SO natura
| to the peasant it seemed to me wa!
7 changed to one of Joy and happiness
| No uproar, no strong language, il
| short, not the least sign of any thing
l rough could be noticed in the lively
. crowd; all behaved in manner worth,
3 of people of a higher standard OF cul
, ture. The brides father, who, upo1
, such occasions is called swat by ever,
t body, passed around the crowd ant
treated all who were present as well a.
/ he could from large bottle of vodk;
. and a wooden dish full of slices OF whea
' bread, which answered the purpose o
| wedding cake. Wishes for the prosper
: ity of the newly-married couple, of thu
parents of the bride bridegroom and o
all good people in general, as well a
for the eternal peace of the dead, wer'
, heard upon all sides.
But here the ringing of a bell some
i, what startled the crowd. "Ah, tn
1 bridegroomrs A few moments late
e three wagons, each with a troika, O.
e span of three horses, stopped in from
/ of the gate. AS the bridegroom, accom-
panied by his parents and relatives. wa