Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1889-05-04
MARRIAGE IN RUSSIA.
Curious Customs and Superstitions
In the Land of the Gear.

wv tAh0 %@the ~ 49,
IL seems that when young couple Is
at first betrothed very orthodox kus-
slams like TO have the priest come and
bless them by saying few prayers be-
fore the lamp-lit "eikon," or sacred
picture, in the room, says a writer In
the Chicago Tribune. Thispractice is'
however, falling into disuse. Then al
ter a betrothal the accepted one is al
most always at the house OF the bride.
He leaves late and will probably be
again at the house by luncheon-ime'
The parents may find this rather weari-
some, but the young people enjoy 1t, and
often, doubtless. wish the parents were
not so assiduous in their attentions.
The mother has often to understand
what is meant by being de trop. ARus-
sian artist recently very cleverly delin-
Gated this in a picture, called Two 10
company, three Is none"
In the higher circles, almost immedi-
ately after betrothal, workwomen arc
hired TO make the trousseau. Accord
ing to an old Russian rule the bride
groom makes his bride a present OF a
wedding costume as well as OF iewelry.
The dowry of a Russian maiden will
consist OF full wardrobe, household
linen, kitchen utensils, silver articles,
carpets, curtains, china, furniture and
a piano. The latter is said TO be indis-
pensable. They do not care for plated
articles. but require that every thing
shall be- OF solid silver. People in very
moderate circumstances begin early to
lay by some thing for the dowry OF their
daughters. Wedding presents are sell
dom given by friends. Should young
wife die without leaving any children
behind her dowry can DO lawfully
claimed by her parents. The husband
can retain only the bed and the picture
with which his deceased wife was cere-
monially blessed.
Sometimes young ladies form parties
to help the intended bride 70 make her
clothes. II Is said to DO a popular boz
Lief that II any part OF the trousseau
forming the dowry be unpicked tho
young couple win pick quarrels when
they are tired together.
Bans are generally published, and
the fees to the priest are regulated by
what the parties can afford. The priest
gives q certificate. Marriages are
allowed TO take place Sundays as we'll
az week days, and are generally at
eventide In the church. Much Of tho
finery Is hired by the poorer classes,
and crowns which are used belong 20
the church.
The Weather class provide a largo
silver waiter, with loaf and massive
castle-shaped salt-cellar filed with
salt. When Il Is time 70 set of 10
church the father OF the bridegroom
takes a picture OF Christ, purpOsely
provided, and waves II cross-wise over
his sons head three times; then pre-
SCENTS IL TO him 10 kiss. He then gives
1t TO the mother, who does the same.
Then taking the loaf from the satver
he waves II in similar manner, with
the salt-cellar in 1t but II Is not kissed.
It is said to BIO very bad omen II the
salt-cellar should during the ceremony
fall TO the ground. Nothing Is said
during this brief ceremony but the
words: elm the name OF the Father
etc. The son kisses his parents hands,
and they embrace him. As soon AZ
this little domestic ceremony Is oyel
the bridegroom sets out for the church,
The bride. who has gone through q
"boysrin," who carries the picture In
front Of her. Where carriages are used
the ''boyarin." arrayed in scarlet silk
shirt, black velvet full trousers
and high top-boots," goes bare.
headed with the bride. keeping
, his face in tho direction IL
which she IL going. The young pair
, meet at the door and proceed haud-in
hand toward the "naloy." This Is q
small altar, like a small, low, square
| reading-desIS. 1t is light, and is rapid
, ly and easily moved from before on,
picture 70 another. Carpet Is laid dowr
| in honor Of the young couple. even n
1t is for the Bishops when they come in
, to church. The choir Of male voice
begins an anthem which is certainl,
, very powerful and beautiful, although
unaccompanied by any instruments
, Alas! we never understood more thai
the words frequently heard: "Gospodi
, gospodi, pismileo." which We were told
: meant: 20 Lord, o Lord, have mere,
upon us!' The young couple prostrat
, themselves thrice; then the "roya
, gates" or doors, In the broad, richly
/ gilt. picture-paneled altar-screen ar
thrown open, and the priest In his OF
nate canonicals appears. He make
the sign OF the cross over their head
and then places In their hands two wa
tapers ornamented with ribbons In
cense Is waved, and the service begins
After two short prayers the priest goe
, TO tho altar and brings thence two THO
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