The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-12-06
CURIOUS COURTSHIPS.
THE AUcTIONING OF BRIDES IN
BABYLON.

~-@S0OA 0@No8o AA4OCo -
Welded to May With an IndIar
Race in South Amer!ca-The Speed
Test in Icy Lapland.
From the Rsttsburo Dispatch.
In some parts of the world the methods Of
solemnizing marriage were very peculiar
and interesting. The ancient Babylonians
had law which provided that when the
maidens OF that city arrived at a marriage
able age they were to be suctoned OF to
she highest bidder. As a matter OF course
the most shapely and beautiful ones com
manded the highest prices, and the rich
Babylonians naturally carried off the most
attractive prizes.
After these had been disposed Of the auc-
sioneer placed the ugly ones on sale, and as
an incentive be offered a small sum Of
money to any one willing 90 become pur-
chaser. This bonus was contributed by the
pretty maidens. and very often their less
favored sisters were the recipients Of snug
dowries.
Each buyer prior to taking his purchase
TO her new home was required to give So
curfty that be would marry her. After the
sale should any of the parties repen: OF their
bargain they were permitted to annul the
purchase, and the sums paid we're restored
to them. OF course, parents had no choice
in the selection of husbands for their daugh-
tiers.
THROWING CAKE OVER A HOUSE
Among the Liburnians, the inhabitants
of a city which stood on the site OF the mod
ern Leghorn, before the wedding banquet
was concluded the bride and all the guests
were required 70 rise from the table, and
she then repaired to the bridegroom's house,
yEhara she thrapU the rtlOf a larua 10
made of coarse dough. They firmly be-
lieved that the higher il was thrown
the happier the union would
be and the better housewife she would
prove. As the houses were very low-in
reality were husband the cake as hard as
stone, a lusty bride seldom, il ever failed
to insure the lucky omen. During this
ceremony two male friends Of the married
couple attended the bride, and when she
had concluded the task presented her with
new shoes and stockings She signified her
acceptance Of the gift by giving them two
or three old handkerchiefs.
The beauty Of CIrcassian women has be-
come proverbial. In no other part of the
world is greater care exercised in bringing
up the female children. They are taught to
embroider and make their own costumes, In
addition to which they must learn 10 make
mems clothing, in order that when married
they may present their husbands with
wedding outfit. Soon after the birth of
girl wide leather belt is sewed around her
waist, and is not removed until it bursts,
when a second one is adjusted. On the
night of her marriage the belt is cut with a
dagger by her husband, and in many in
stances with fatal results.
THE GIFTS OF TIE FATHER
The father makes his daughter present
on her wedding day, but the major part Of
what he intends for her is reserved until the
birth of the frat child rNban he fatb
clothes her in the dress of a matron the
chief distinction of which consists Of veil
that entirely concsals her face and figure.
The habitation Of married Circassian con-
sists Of two huts. one occupied by the hus-
band and the other by his wife and family.
The court separating the two buildings is
surrounded by palisades. and it would never
be suspected that they constituted one estab-
lishment.
One Of the strangest matrimonial cere-
monies is that pIacticed by an Indian tribe
residing on the banks OF the Orinoco river
in South America. The old men are mar
ried 70 the budding maidens, and derrepit
women are mated with youths not yet ont
OF their teens. The reason given for this Is
that age may correct the petulance of
youth. aud that to join persons equal image
and 1lnprudence in wedlock is to place two
fools together. One redeeming trait about
this custom is that the marriage Of the
young men with the old women Is merely a
sort Of apprenticeship. as, after a few
months probabation they are permitted to
wed women OF their own age.
AN OLD MEXICAN CUSTOM.
The Mexican method of oourtship, as
practiced at one time but never seen at the
present day. was very remarkable. When
Mexican arrived at the so-called age of
discretion suitable life partner was selected
for him. The native priests were consulted
and If they predicted a happy union the
girl was demanded Of her parents by GER
tain women called solicitors, who ranked
among the mcst respectable of the would-be
groom's acquaintance. Their visits were
necessary.
The bride-elect was then given 8 lengthy
lecture on the duties of her new life. after
which she was conducted 10 her fatherAin-
laws house. The bridegroom and his rela-
tives received her at the door of the house,
four OF the female members Of the family
bearing torches. Upon meeting, the bride
and bridegroom offered incense to each
other, and being conducted indoors, they
were both sea- ed on a curiously wrought
mat placed in the middle OF the room. A
priest now approached and tied part of the
gown Of the bride to the mantle of the
groom, this constituting the chief part of
the bridal ceremony. The bride and groom
shut themselves up for four days, spending
the time in fasting aud prayer At the end
OF that period they were considered man
ana vile.
FooT-RAcING FOR WIVES.
The Laplanders consider it capital of
Tense TO wed maid without the permission
OF her parents or relatives, aud invariably
execute those who have the temeritv to at
tempt such clandestine marriages. When a
Lap has discovered his affinity the fashion
is to invite the friends OF both to witness .
foot-race between himself and the one he in
tends to wed. The maiden is given such q
long start in this novel race for a wife that
unless she is willing, she can seldom be-
overtaken. If she outruns her sutton he can
nsver again ask for trial of speed, as il i
penal offense to renew the offer Of mar.
riage.
In the days of ancient Rome the bride
was brought to the house of her husband
preceded by five persons bearing torches
the Specification Of which was that married
persons have need of five deities to aid and
protect them. Theses were Jupiter, Juno
Venus, Suada and Diana or Lucina. When
the woman reached the door of her future
home she anointed the posts with oil, and
from this ceremony was known thereafter
as unxor (anointer), which, for the sake Of
euphony. became uxor, whence is derived
the English term uxorious Another rule