The daily morning journal and courier., 1896-03-11
COURIER ,SlspAY

prevail, with very slight notifications.
 Social and religious affairs partake i'll a large measure of a distinct foreign
 flavor, An American here would not
 require any great stretch of lmagina-
 ton to fancy himself in some remote corner of northern Europe instead of in
 his native land
 Recently there was wedding in one
 or these settlements, which was an ex-
 tremely picturesque and interesting event to the newspaper man who hap pened to be present, He was invited to participate in the festivities, and rashly accepted the invitation, little dreaming
 what complicated affair 1t was to be,
 Banns had been proclaimed for sev-
 eral consecutive Sundays in the modest little church that Ole Knutson and Brit
 ta Bengstdotter were to be joined in wedlock. There was as much stir in this little community on this occasion as was oecasioned by the Marlborough Vanderbilt affair in New York. All the men, women and children for miles around considered themselves, accord ing to the old country custom, as in- vited to the festivities
 Now Swedish or Norwegian we'd ing is thing that is never settled in one or two days It generally takes that many weeks for its preparation, and the same number for it's celebra- ton. Each guest usually contributes his share, no matter how humble, and everything is accepted with the warm est of thanks, not with surprise, but as a matter of course, Beer, wines and iS1r, oIt tan eral quantities, and indulgence is in proportion to the supply, As to eatables of every desription, there is practically no limit. Among the quaint customs observed on this occasion was noted one very curious. A number of the nearest of the brides and bridegroom's relations went into the woods at mid-
 night and formed a circle where three roads meet.
 They then asked a number of ques- tions addressed to some unseen being or spirit. What the questions or an swers are none of the party is permitted to divulge, as such a thing would surely bring to constant ill luck the prospec- tive bride and groom. The following day the young girls who are to serve as | bridesmaids congregate at the home of the bride. In these regions there is no particular display of flummery The | girls are all neatly dressed in their best gowns and neckerchiefs. The bride was attired in the customary veil over her handsome, though by no means expen- sive dress. No orange blossoms were seen, Instead of these the bride wore a little crown of myrtle, The bride groom was a sturdy young fellow, fore | man of sawmill. He was rigged out l in top boots and sack coat, which was viewed with mingled awe and ridicule 1 by most of the guests. The bride and groom were driven to the church in an l ordinary bob sled, and the rest of the 1 family followed in similar conyeyances. l It was singulariy picturesque sight l to see this strange wedding procession l wind it's way through the deep snow to 1 the little church. On the return trip there was music galore, furnished by an accordion and oornet that had seen better days, but a jollier crowd was never brought together. Refreshments were served in superabundance, and l dancing was kept up all night. These l festivities are continued as long as the custom prescribes, generally at least 1 three days. After this the hard, rough l labor of the men is unshrinkingly re- sumed, with a grateful thought that even in their life there Is an occasional
 gieam of sunshine,