Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-03

which. few decades ago, was sun much
worn by all women especially in the pro-
vincial districts, has largely given way to
the ordinary European dress; but the peas
ants in the villages off the great highways
and beaten paths of civilization have re-
tanned all the picturesqueness of dress
which makes them such favorite subjects
of the native painters.
their costume. while varying somewhat
in the different parts of the country, con-
sists generally of a white, loose waist Of
soft material, reaching to the neck. which
is encircled by several rows Of coral or
glass beads. The sleeves are short and
puffed This waist is partly covered by
low-cut sleeveless bodice. broidered with
narrow gold or silver braid. A full skirt
of Powered or dotted material. worn over
half dozen or more petticoats. falls not
much below the knees. On Sundays and
at dances low buckle shoes with dark blue
or red hosiery, or high red boots are worn.
On weekdays nothing hides the shapely
feet and ankles.
There are distinguishing marks in the
costumes of married and unmarried wom-
en-, as may be noticed in the accompany
ing illustrations showing national peasant
costumes The latter wear their hair I'M
covered, hanging in one braid which Is
frequently interviewer with gay ribbons
The young matron, called "Menyecske,
wears, in addition to the bodice, for outdoor
wear, thick silk shawl with long fringes
over her shoulders. This shawl is crossed
over her breast and tied in knot at the
back. Her head Is covered with kerchief
Of bright tints, which hides part of her
glossy treSseS, and the manner of Its tying
is characteristic of the various districts.
The busy life of the tillers Of the soil
prevents the association of the young men
and women except at the Sunday afternoon
dances in front of the church or at the
evening dances at the village inn on the
same day. During weekday evenings, In
summertime it Is the general custom for
groups of girls to walk, singing. along the
village street, followed at a distance by
the follows GOOd-naturpd banter
is exchanged by the groups, en- passant
but they are kept strictly apart. Still, they
understand each other for, when the moon
is high. the village Is asleep and only the
bark of the watchful shepherd dogs is
heard al intervals. one may observe young
couples. leaning over the low hedgerows
and whispering to each other the sweet
secrets of love.
While the wooing is done in person, the
arranging of a marriage is the business of
friends and parents. The hand of a girl
is generally asked by the young man. with
the consent of his parents, through the
"naszlegeny." who is his best friend. after
which, II things are otherwise suspicious,
parents and relatives of the interested
couple come together to fix the amount
of dowry and other details. and to arrange
for the nuptial day, which is sometimes Gel
ebrated for half week with gypsy music
and general feasting.
In some parts of the country annual
maiden markets still take place. At SUCH
times the manageable girls for miles
around the village where the market is
held. gather In their gayest holiday attire.
They, as well as the young men, are ac-
companied by parents and relatives. The
village street is gay with the tents of gin
ger-bread bakers, dealers Of gewgaws,
acrobats and fakirs. Merry go-rounds and
organ grinders furnish music, while gig
Cling girls stroll about in small groups,
admiring and discussing both boys and
goods.
They generally maneuver to give the
young fellows a chance for approach by
stopping at the stands or shows. II a
young man takes fancy to a girl. he
good-day and inquiring for her native viii
age. This is soon followed by the pur-
chase of a gingerbread heart or some other
token Of admiration. He addresses her
with thou" while she uses the more re-
spectful you
Meanwhile the relatives have noticed the
couple, and are secretly and carefully
dress, and other indications pass muster.
they soon join in the conversation. The
young people quickly get familiar with
each other; they walk about arm-in-arm
and things in general progress rapidly. He
takes her to dinner, buys her sweets and
mead, rides with her on the merry-go-
round and has the gypsies play her favor
lite tunes. He pays attention only to her
and she is his exclusive partner at the
Csardas.
If, in the course of the day a satisfac-
tory understanding has been reached by
the parents of the couple. they are consid-
cred engaged and, on parting in the even
ing, they exchange a first kss-or more
From then on he visits her on Sundays
in her village unts:. few weeks or
months later, the wedding. or ''lakodalom,'
takes place.