Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1888-08-23
AN ARMENIAN WEDDING.
Interesting Description Of Mar.
riage Ceremony.
now the Invitations Are Given-The
Brides Trousseau-A Gay Company
Weird Night Scene, and
Beautiful Service.

bride's TrOusseau-A Gay Company
Weird Night Scene, and
Beautiful Service.
w eddings are interesting occasions
IN Western lands-no less SO in Persia.
40 daintily engraved cards, but an old
woman with red apple brings the in
Vitation. The gentlemen of the mis-
sion are not invited to the brides
house, nor indeed any men, so the
ladies must escort each other, and, as
1t is my first invitation to such festiv-
ity, join the party with 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, 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 perfect babel of
gabble, but just now there is one sub
3ect 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 a 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 a 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 calm, quiet beauty
not unqueenly. Her dress is pink silk,
and over it she wears a 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 'to 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
handkerchief over all completes her
head-gear. 1t adds romantic inter-
est to know that every article, even
down to her little white slippers, was
sent yesterday as a present from the
bridegroom, brought on 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 baby sister, who looks
like smally mummy in her swaddling
clothes. Dancing is now in order, and
it 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 uT
and down the room with graceful
gliding step, moving their arms al
tcrnately. Meantime an old woman
goes about collecting coins, which ar,
her reward for various services. Wher
the bride herself dances a silver coin i.
expected. The approach of dinner is in
dicated by the entrance of a young mar
with basin, ever, soap and towel, VIII,
.pours water over each guests hands
Long, white cloths are spread OF
the floor, and we sit picnic fashion a
each side. Salt and pepper-cellars
sheets of bread and plates of cheese
onions, herbs and sliced turnips ar
brought in as an opening relish. Fou
courses follow, chicken and fried pota
toes. stew Of meat and ounces, {
stew of mutton and pease. and lastly
dish Of pilav. Two share a plate. an
fingers do duty as forks and spoons 70