The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1892-09-21
WEDDINGS AMONG The LAPPs.
Remarkable Ceremonies Attending Mar
riage in Reindeer Land.

Remarkable Ceremonies Attending Mar.
riage in Reindeer Land.
''Not least curious of the wedding
ceremonies of the world are those
practiced by the people of Northern
Lapland," said DR.. George H. Boeh-
mer of the Smithsonian Institution to
writer for the Washington Star.
''The groom arrives with his parents
and friends at the village where the
prospective bride resides and her pa
rents take charge of the reindeer of the
visitors. Thereupon the latter, though
not accompanied by the groom, call
at the house of the girl, with whose
father and mother they touch noses.
Bowling three times they request per-
mission to say something, and this be-
ing granted they express their thanks
for the privilege and again bow thrice.
They then produce a large bottle of
Russian wine, which they have brought
with them, and fill glasses of it for the
parents of the young lady, who, before
drinking, make three bows, and with
three fingers touch their foreheads,
shoulders and chests three times.
After having partaken of the wine also
the visitors return thanks for the
courtesy shown them, which in reality
expresses the acceptance of the young
man by the girls family. A refusal
on their part to drink would indicate
that he was not acceptable to them as
son-in-law.
"This concludes the ceremony of the
first day. On the next morning feast
is spread in the house occupied by the
young man, to which the girls rela-
tives are invited by delegations of the
groom's friends, who call upon them
three times, each time extending an
invitation and receiving thanks for
the courtesy. The relatives of the
bride that is to be all repair to the
feast except the girl, who remains sit
ting and crying in corner of her pa
ternal dwelling while the banquet
lasts. After numerous bowings and
exchanges of .nose-kisses' the guests
are given the places of honor, the men
! occupying one side of the table and
the women the other, while the pa
rents of the young man stand at the
of wine for the parents and brothers
of the girl three times in succession.
Eating and drinking being finished,
all shake hands and kiss and press
each others cheeks. The groom's rel
atives are asked to assemble at the
house of the bride on the next day
and the second days ceremony is.thus
brought to close.
"On the third day the father of the
girl prepares feast in his house, to
which he invites all of his relatives.
| The girls assemble and weep with the
bride, whose head and eyes they cover
with veil. When the relatives and
friends of the groom arrive money is
demanded of them at the door, and
this being paid according to the cir.
cumstances of the groom a second de-
mand for money is addressed to them
at the inner door. Payment having
been made they enter. and find them.
selves confronted by three of the girls
relatives, who ask them to leave the
house at once. The groom and his
companion then retire, and, having
heaped snow upon their heads anC
shoulders, they return into the house
saying that they have been unable tC
endure the severity of the snow-storn
outside. Neverless they are turned
out second time, but on returning
once again they are premitted to stay
and are given seats of honor, having
bowed to every one present. The
brides friends offer wine, and eating
and drinking continues all through
the day, the girl and her female friend:
not participating in any of the festivi
ties, but continuing to weep in the
corner occupied by them.
Eating and drinking being finished
all present bow and rub noses, com
plete confidence having been establish.
ed on both Sides The groom ther
takes a seat next to the bride and
lifting her veil. takes look at hel
face. Presently he rises and leaves
and the same ceremony is repesteC
by the young mans father, mother
and friends. They then address tht
young woman's father, saying; Have
we now received the girl from you?
To which he replies. You have, in
deed. Now, do as you please, whethe
YOU burn out her eyes or use her TO
anything you choose. l have no long
er any power over my daughter. TIL
girls attempt to dress the bride in he
travelling costume, beginning by tax
ing off the clothes which she has wor1
in her fathers house. However, tn
bride makes this task difficult by kick
ing, jumping, and shrieking, so tina
they are finally obliged to dress her b
force, putting on her veil, which sh
must wear until after she has arrive
at her destination. Two of her gin
l friends then conduct her to the reir
deer sleigh, in which has already bee
! slowed her personal property. Wral
ping her in blanket they fasten he
. securely in the sleigh, placing upo
her head a loaf of bread. On arrivin
: at the groom's home the bride is cor
! Quoted into her future dwelling. Th
loaf of bread is taken by the groom
: mother, who throws it into the hous'
| saying: Here thou shalt be mistressh