Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1894-08-31
AFRICAN WEDDINGS
Iruel Rites Performed During tho
Ceremony.
hrsta Exhibitions Of Physical CouraEs By
the soudaness Msn-Mannsr
Of Settling the Brides
DoWry.

Dr. Junker's Ia bors in Africa occupied
eleven years. with only one interval OF
rest. when it became necessary for him
70 recruit his health by q visit tc
Europe, says the Cincinnati Commercial
Gazette- So arduous were his expert.
ences that his life was sacrificed in the
end, since the last proofs of his work
had hardly passed out of his hands be-
fore he fell victim to an insiduous dis
ease. for which the germs had been
sown Ia the swamps Of central Africa.
The following interesting account OF
wedding at Lado illustrates the au-
thor's habits of close observation:
On this occasion the bridal procession
began shortly before eight o'clock The
bride walked with some of the women
under a large mosquito net carried on
four poles, under which q chair was
borne, that she might rest at the fire.
quent hating places In the van, In
the rear of the procession, large lamps
and small colored Chinese lanterns
were carried on sticks, the whole being
accompanied by music. A troop of
negro women, with their eternal tam
tanning, swarmed round about The
men also joined the procession. and be-
fore it started and at hating places the
Arab women performed dances, and l
witnessed very brutal custom of tho
men, in which even some of
the clerks took q part This Is a chal.
ienge to duel with the rhinoceros-hide
whip, which. being carried out in the
presence OF the dancing women, Is
meant to testify to the courage of tho
men. who gave each other heavy blows
IN their bare shoulders and backs.
which left thick wales Each has to |
AXE the same number Of blows from
lis opponent as he gives. Sometimes
me man will challenge three or four.
o whom he deals in turn savage blows
which are returned afterwards by them
VI in succession. The pain must have
'een excessive. but I did not see the
nen move . muscle. The custom IN
eally for the bridegroom to receive the
ride at his threshold and to carry her
ato the house, but this form was
mitted. as the bride was to be for.
'ally given away by her father on the
ext day.
On the second day I sent the well.
reserved carpet Of my large angareb to
II Enendi as present. The BANQUET
'ok place in the evening, Emin Bey
eng present. According to custom,
lere were several series of jewellers,
lose who were not eating at the mo-
ent taking their place on the angarebs I
up in front of the houses. Ihad ,
mt my boosted bottle of vermouth.
I'd the few people Of the first series
Oh got glass. These evening feasts ,
ually last a long time, but this one ,
IS shortened, as so many ceremonies
ere to follow. Ibrahim Effendi WA G
30 obliged to make procession, and I
Is led first to Vita's house, where he |
Is arrayed in Q faultless black suit, $
1t to him by the master. In front of @
house there were moro chairs and /
garebs, and chocolate and coffee were /
nded around. Later the procession, .
by music. dancing and a
putting, returned to Ali Efendi,s /,
re. after more coffee or karkadeb. u
bride was given away In this cere- a
ny the father and bridegroom sit o
wn in sight of the company on a car q
:, on which the fakir also takes his u
zee. They then settle the dowry of In
girl Tin this case one hundred and N
y thalers). which is often, though e,
on this occasion. paid over at once b,
! taken in charge by somebody whom d,
girl appoints Then the father, the ci
degroom and the fakir take hands id
Ter q spread-out cloth, the oath b
.ula and a short prayer are said and rs
is over a.