The Hawaiian gazette., 1886-03-16

They have very interesting marriage
rersrnonies in Norway and Sweden. The
custom among the Swedish peasants is
exceedingly droll When a girl is to be
married IN Sweden she Is dressed in her
bridal garments, and Is placed in the mid
die OF u room. As she stands she is sur
r5unded by a circle Of bright lights. The
rr55usnen then enter, each carrying u
lighted lamp The villagers have assem-
led shout the cottage in tue mean time,
sGd the doors and windows are thrown
men. Through them whoever wishes may
enter and the most liberal criticisms of the
bride are made Men and woman walk
about her and lk freely of her appear
Enee, her character, her prospects, etc.
One will hear some fellow say:
We'll, she's 10 he married at last, eh ?
About time, think Its the first offer
she has had since l Tilted her"
Yes" some one will say, "and l pity
the man who married her.
Bat don't she look old, though" anoth-
er spectator will say; and won't she make
the poor fellow stand around!
Women wearing masks and different
disguises Will always be present for the
purpose OF making remarks both pointed
aud insulting; but everything is borne
patiently and IN good part by the bride
Eud groom. The chatting is kept up for
En hour or two, when every one but the
friends OF the parties are ordered to quit
the house, and the ceremony Is performed.
1T takes good while for village wee .
ding festival 10 he carried out IN Nurwe-
Eian villages, sometimes as long a "a week
Beer, spirits, plenty to eat, music, and
dancing are the features. The guests BE-
gIu TO assemble on the day before the
wedding. They are welcomed with plenty
Of spirits and beer by the bride and groom.
The village schoolmaster Is always master
ol CEREMONIES, and It Is he who invites the
guests TO tue reception meal He says
grace. A psalm i then sung to accompani-
Insnt Of two violius. The repast Is simple,
and served on d bare table NJ plates ar.
used, but large fat cakes Of meal instead.
Iae night l. spent IN revelling. The neXI
morning II eIgut O'Clock the wedding pro
cesslOn starts for church. The bride al
ways wears a silver crown and ornaments.
In some parts Of the kingdom she Is clad
IN purple robe. richly embroidered with
gold frequently the heirloom OF centuries.
Sometimes the way 10 church l. hy boat
and sometimes on horseback Music leads
tie way. The march 10 church Is never
halted, but when the party returns after
the church ceremony salute Is fired from
every house along the route, and at every
one the newly married pair aiiyht and
plT1ake OF beer. The journey home often
takes day, owing 10 tuIs general joining
~ tile festivities.
As soon - the bridal party reaches
home a grand dinner i served. After
thai what Is known a. the cradle tax Is
collected 4 tin dish Is placed before the
urlde. and her father deposits in it a bank
note and two silver spoons. The guests
all contribute money OF silver gifts The
r,st Of the wedding day and rart Of the
night ara spent in drinking and dancing.
Then a procession forms, and each person
carries lighted candle aud escorts the
brlde ana groom 20 their apartment. Tue
nrNt day the Wedding gifts are presented.
They are no; displayed, but each giver
shouts ont what he OF she gives, and shakes
hands With the married couple. The rcvell
iuE aud rejoicing are kept up until the
following Sunday, when they are brought
l. a eiu~e, and the young couple are con
siierei iiily married / know something
El'0ut marriage Ia Norway. fur / was mar
med there myself and went through the
entire giru.sramule - EFetHaqe.