Telegram-herald., 1890-12-14
AN EGYPTIAN WEDDING
Ths whole Koran Recited As Part OF
tho Ceremony.
rSpccini C,orrespondence.

lSpcciF Correspondencel
CARo, Egypt, Nov. 10.-The next
bsst thing to knowing the khedive. ac-
cording to the tourist estimate, is to get
an invitation to an Egyptian wedding.
Some Of the hotel guests are so anxious
for this honor that they do not wait for
an invitation, but take the liberty of
sending their cards TO any house where
they hear wedding is in progress and
asking for admission. Oriental courtesy
is so generous that this rudeness is not
only forgiven, but often the owners OF
the cards are cordially welcomed.
It was the good fortune of the present
writer to receive an invitation some
time ago TO be present at the wedding Of
the two sons of Mohammed Pasha. This
invitation gave me especial pleasure,
both because it was TO give me an oppor-
tunity to see a high caste marriage cere-
mony, and being a double wedding L
expected that it would be a very brill
liant affair. Ny expectations were not
realized, however.
As 10 the marriage ceremony proper
there was none so far as l could see, and
one Of the bridegrooms apologized for
the simplicity of the wedding arrange
meats, saying that this was rendered
necessary by his fathers absence in
Ceylon.
What seemed odd enough, though of
course not unexpected, was the total alb
sence Of women. In the great central
court and the various rooms on the lower
floor of the palace no one could be seen
but men. But all grades and conditions
Of men werc there.
Here were some Of the rich young men
Of Cairo in most elaborate toilets, and
close 10 their elbows a bare kneed or
bare armed neighbor, who seemed to be
made just as welcome as they. Some Of
the most exclusive of the guests smoked
their lonely cigars in the drawing room.
This was large and comfortable apart
ment, furnished in European style,
though lacking-as even the khedive 8
parlors lack-most Of the beautiful and
luxurious things which make these
rooms what they are 10 VS.. Most OF the
company. however, preferred, as we did,
to mingle with the common people IN
the central court This spacious yard
wa rooted for the occasion with i'm
mense Turkish rugs, and hung with
large chandeliers sparkling with glass
ornaments. Here the two happy bride
groons were kept bosy receiving their
friends and seating them Hpon the mat
covered benches. and keeping their
slaves busy supplying them with food
ard drink.
It Is part Of TIE customary marriage
ceremony thAt al the Koran shall bs
ehAnted In the house of the bridegroom
,s,sr1ng thss day sid night q the web
ding. Thss ioyful task i generally PER
fs-1ae.d By bind men On this pnxtsco-
isr oooasion ~ caaneer wAs also d-e-
scer5xut = the proThet. ~ wss Shown
kv his conepscuo1s green tuTbzn.
There va 81 r1neh = shoutinx snd
trilhng sna dwelling upon the vowsis IN
this recit2tioa that u wosa have besa
irarosssble f0x an Araifc scholax vso
w. nck a MehaEaraeiar ror aoeoStoFoei
b. the Sevotioaei s@oention eznpdsTed n
una@rssand - waryis ulztrh - wss IA
peaaag with s7ca feTvor. We oosht
ros T. lsy this up sgsinet Re &ssssxa
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n 90 - 80 Lcnzson essssefTzls. I f-eer1
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