The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-18
MARRIAGES IN BULGARIA.
The Price of wives Vnries From $500
TO $1,000.

tlr1m the New 0rk TIbuuc.D
There are few places within the limits
OF standardization that boasts OF more
Interesting marriage customs than Bull
garia. Every young peasant wishes 10
marry as early as possible. as he is Of
little Importance in the community until
he has a wife. But he is not in danger
Of forming an alliance in opposition to
his parents wishes. as his earnings be
long TO them until he is welded. and his
wife must be bought and paid for accord
I ing to their station in life The parents
usually give him the necessary sum as
soon as they can afford it, so that the re-
striction is less CALLING than it seems
A wife purchase varies from $500 to
81 500 in proportion to the wealth Of the
contracting families for the marriage is
strictly a family affair. In addition to
this sum smaller amount is given to the
brides mother for her personal use.
After the pecuniary arrangements have
been made by the proxies, the betrothal
takes place on either a Wednesday or
Thursday. i consists Of the exchange Of
written pledges regarding the sum TO be
paid by the bridegroom on the one hand
and the household furnishings to be sup
piled by the bride on the other.
Rings there are blessed by the priest
and exchanged by the couple the fiancee
kisses the hands OF the guests assem-
bled and retires with her young friends to
feast prepared in another room. The
young people then dance outside the
house and sing.
The hance's presents are then produced
and their value estimated 10y the father
OF the bride. These consist Of shoes head
dress. and necklace OF coins silver belt
bracelets. and other jewelry The father
usually regards their value as insufficient,
probably TO enhance his daughters worth
10 her suitor's eyes, and the lover adds
coin by coin until an agreement is reach
ed The marriage does not take place until
six months after the bctrothal.
During the week preceding the day set
Tor he wedding the house for the young
couple is furnished by the brides parents
Then her home is cleaned and whitewashed
and every hidden store brought out for
decoration. cakes are made and ser.
around as Invitation cards, requesting The
recipient 90 come 90 the wedding on sun
day the iusariable wedding day. The
articles composing the Tuusseau are hung
uu Tor inspection on cords stretched across
the principal room ca Friday by the femi-
nine part of The community. On the fol-
lowing DAY two of TIE brides friends come
10 help her dress her hair. plating it in
minute braids not 90 be uudone until
after the ceremony. Then the village maids
come with gifts OF sweets and flowers and
all sit down on the floor to q dinner Of
vegetables.
on Sunday he bride is seated in state in
all her gorgeous apparel and with a spang-
led red veil over her face. TO be seen of
all the village folk. She wears all the
ornaments given by her fance and as
many more as she possesses. The relg-
ious ceremony Is that the Greek Church.
and may take place in the church or in the
home OF the bridegrOOm's father. After its
performance the party returns to the home
Of the brides parents. where the wedding
feast is held. Singing and dancing follow
until time TO escort the bride 10 her new
home.