Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1888-08-30
AN ARMENIAN WEDDING
Interesting Description Of Mar
rage Ceremony.

How the Invitations Are Given-The
Brides Trousseau-A Gay Company
A Weird Night Scene, and
Beautiful Service.
Weddings are interesting occasions
in Western lands-nO less SO in Persia.
No daintily engraved cards, but an old
woman with a red apple brings the in
vitatiOn. The gentlemen of the mis-
sion are not invited to the bride's
house, nor indeed any men, SO the
ladies must escort each other, and, as
it is my first invitation to such festiv-
ity, join the party with a good deal
of curiosity. We were invited for four
o'clock p. m, and as We didn't get
home till midnight. we saw the whole
performance. Thereby hangs my tale.
As We enter the courtyard We see a
big chest at one side, Persian Sara
toga, ready to carry away all the young
brides possessions from her childhood
home. We have heard the music from
afar, and find the musicians sitting in
the hall, piping away at full blast. The
room we enter is crowded with women,
girls and babies, a company of ninety,
l should say, seated compactly on
the floor, and able to sit
thus comfortably for hours without
moving. an accomplishment We have
not yet mastered. Walters of steam
ing, sweet tea in little glasses are being
passed, and there is a perfect babel of
gable. but just now there is one sub
ject of common interest, for the trous-
seau is being exhibited. Bundles after
bundles pinned up in silk covers are
laid before the show-woman, an old
relative, who unfolds and exhibits each
article for public inspection. 1t is not
only satisfaction of curiosity. but in
this way many witnesses could testify
to the brides property, if occasion re-
quired. Sometimes the outfit is very
elaborate, from half dozen silk
dresses down to the furnishing of the
wOrk-basket and all the fancy work the
girl has ever done; but there are arti-
cles included that seem ridiculous for
public eXhibition-a bed, which means
comfort, pillows and quilt. tied up in
a big cotton cover; an outfit for going
to the bath. from the large. round, cop
per tub down to soap and towels. and
lastly every precious toy, even the doll
or childish ornaments that have been
carefully laid away till this grand oc-
casiOn.
Meanwhile the bride is being dressed,
and We are allowed to get peep at her.
Her name is Takwe, which means
queen, and she has a calm, quiet beauty
not unqueenly. Her dress is pink silk,
and over it she wears black sacque,
which looks rather inappropriate.
though comfortable. Her hair hangs
in long braids down her back, but now
she lays aside the girls round. saucer
like cap and is crowned. which in Ar.
menian is the idiom for Ito be mar
ried. Her crown is band Of en-
broidered velvet, and on it is pinned a
dainty white gauze vail which deli
cately frames her face. The white silk
head-kerchief over all completes her
head-gear. 1t adds a romantic inter-
est to know that every article, even
down to her little white slippers. was
sent yesterday as present from the
bridegroom, brought on a mans head
in great wooden tray adorned with
apples and candies. The same tray
went back carrying his suit. shirt,
paper-collar and all in exchange.
We return to the company and notice
how gay they look. Dark dresses are
not fashionable, but purple, green, blue
and red are favorite colors. The girls
are dressed just like their mothers, and
act like sedate little women. many of
them tending a baby sister, who looks
like smally mummy in her swaddling
clothes. Dancing is now in order, and
1t is certainly in the mildest form
imaginable. Two girls face each other
and make little courtesies all around
before beginning. Then, perfectly in
dependent of each other. they move up
and down the room with a graceful,
gliding step. moving their arms al
ternately. Meantime an old woman
goes about collecting coins, which are
her reward for various services. When
the bride herself dances a silver coin is
expected. The approach of dinner is in
dictated by the entrance of young man
with basin, ever. soap and towel, who
pours water over each guests hands.
Long, white cloths are spread on
the floor, and. we sit picnic fashion al
each side. Salt and pepper-cellars,
sheets of bread and plates of cheese,
onions. herbs and sliced turnips are
brought in as an opening relish. Four
Souxees follow. chicken and fried potar