The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1888-08-17
An ARMENIAN WEDDING.
IN. Invitations Are GIven-The
nx,a~.s Trousseau-A Gay Company
weird Night Scene. and =
ueautiful service.


weird Night scene. and Il
Beautiful service.
Weddings are interesting occasions
n Western lands no less 50 In Persia.
No daintily engraved cards. but an old
woman with red apple brings the ln-
v;tation. The gentlemen OF the mis-
zion are not invited TO the brides
house. nor indeed any men, so the
ladies' must escort each other, and, as |
Il i NV first invitation 70 such festiv-
~. / Join the party with a good deal
n curiosity. We were invited for four
o'clock p. m. and rs we didn't get
home till midnight, we saw the whole
performance. Thereby hangs my tale
As we enter the courtyard we see
bio chest al one side, Persian Sara
toga. ready TO carry away all the young
brides possessions from her childhood
home. We have heard the music from
MAR. 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,
| should say, seated compactly on
the foor. and able 10 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
gable. but Just now there i one sub
let 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
rslztive. who unfolds and exhibits each
article for public inspection. II Is not
only 4 satisfaction OF curiosity. but In
this way many witnesses could testify
70 We brides property. II occasion re-
quired. Sometimes the outfit IL 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-
Giles included that seem ridiculous for
public exhibition "a bed. which means
comfort. pillows and quilt. tied up In
big cotton cover; an outfit for going
70 the bath. from thclarge. round, cop
per tub down 10 soap and towels, ant
lastly every precious toy. even the dol
Or childish ornaments that have beer
carefully laid away till this grand &c
ca~ion.
Meanwhile the bride is being dressed
and We are allowed 70 get peep at her
Her name is Takwc, which mean
queen. and she has calm, quiet bcaut,
not unquccnly. Her dress Is pink silk
and over it she wears black sacque
which looks rather inappropriate
though comfortable. Her hair hang
In long braids down her back. but no'
she lays aside the girls round, saucer
like cap and Is crowned. which in A
menian il the idiom for Ito be ma
ried." Her crown il a band OF en-
broidercd velvet, and on II Il pinned
dainty white gauze vail which del
cately frames her face. The white 81
head-kcrchief over all completes h
head-gear. II adds a romantic int
81 70 know that every article. eve
down 70 her little white slippers, VI
sent yesterday as a present from y
bridegroom. brought on mans hes
IN great wooden tray adorned vii
apples and candies. The same tr'
went back carrying his suit. shii
paper-collar and all in exchange
Wereturn to the company and mott
bow gay they look. Dark dresses .
not fashionable. but purple, green. bl
and red are favoritc colors- The gil
are dressed just like their mothers. n
act like sedate little women, many
them tending baby sister. who loo
likca smally mummy in her swaddli
clothes. Dancing Is now In order, q
Il Is certainly in the mildcst foI
Imaginable. Two girls face each 9th
and make little courtcsies all arou
before beginning. Then, perfectly
dependent Of each other, they move
and down the room with graccf
gliding step. moving their arms
ternatcly. Meantime an old WON
goes about collecting coins, which I
her reward for various services. WI
the bride herself dances silver coir
expected. The approach OF dinner II
dicated by the entrance Of . young N
with basin. ever, soap and towel. '
pours water over each g.zcsts han
Long. white cloths arc spread
the noor. and We sic picnic fashion
each side. Salt and peppcr-cells
sheets 81 bread and plates Of Chez
onions, herps and sliced turnips
brought IN a. an opening relish. r
courses follow. chicken and fried p