Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1910-05-22
WEDDINGS in MIKADO's LAND
Feature of the Ceremony, tho Pre-
uminnrics and the Clos
ing Fcast.

A Japanese wedding always takes place
In the sanctuary which is to be found in
every Japanese home-the tokonoma, or
elevated place OF honor This is decorated
for the ocsuslon with symbolic articles,
such as pine, plum tree and bamboo, signi-
flying long life, peace and honesty; rice,
always offered to tho gods; and the sake
jugs from which the butterflies brides
maids) pour out drink for the happy couple.
Only ten persons are present at the mar
riage-the bride and groom, their parents,
tho go-between and his wife, and two but
terflics." The bride takes her place near
the bridegroom, but, as BELTS her inferior
state, on a lower level. Her veil conceals
her face till the ceremony Is completed.
Presently the broker 0he man who has
brought the couple together) makes formal
announcement OF the marriage. to the low
toned accompaniment OF singers, without
instrumental accompaniment. in an adjoin-
ing room.
Ordinarily the japanese wedding cere-
mony has neither religious nor legal for
mality; 1t Is an affair of the families en-
tirely. In former times, however, the
priests took a large part in the function,
and there are indications OF a return to
marriage Of the crown prince, a solemn
Shinto service was held within the sanctu-
airy OF the imperial palace. Usually, how
ever, the wedding ceremony is simply a
formal drinking Of sake by bride and
bridegroom from the same cup. This par
taking OF the rice wine together is an act
as solemn as drinking from the commun-
ion cup among christians.
Presently the butterflies" prepare to full
fill their office, and on Bonded knee pre-
sent the two-spouted cup OF sake to the
mouths OF tho bride and bridegroom alter
nately, this drinking from one cup signify
ing their future unity in Joy and sorrow.
From each OF three tiny cups of different
sizes tho bride and bridegroom each tako
three sips, After tho third cup tho "go-
between" announces that tho ceremony is
ended. "Orio" and "Chrysanthemum" are
now Mr.. and Mrs. Tamura. and congratu-
lations and feasting are the order Of the
day. Tho groom does not kiss his bride
in public; that, in japanese eyes, would
DO unpardonably coarse and vulgar.
Removing her white silk VEIL the young
vito rises from her seat beside the brid-
groom and passes the wine cup to the as
sembled friends. Before the banquet she
retires, and reappoars in a different dress,
repeating this three or four times during
tho dinner II she comes from a rich home.
| After the bride and bridegroom have taken
their places everybody present approaches,
bows to them. and offers congratulations.
With each guest the happy pair are sup
posed TO drink cup OF wine. but this is
only preteneo.
Tho wedding feast itself is a splendid
and costly affair. with rice served in count.
less different ways. oyster broth, and many
other elaborate dishes, washed down with
hot ana cold sake.
Early in the evening the bride leaves
her own home, being carried In a common
kago by two coolies II poor. but In a stump
tuous norimono. or Sedan-chair, IL her
father is well to do. Her departure from her
childhoOds home 10 made the occasion FOL
a display OF the symbolism for which the
japanese are famous AS she leaves she Il
carried past tiny fire which has beer
kindled at the door. In this are burned heI
dolls and playthings, TO indicate that sh,
Is passing from girlhood 20 womanhoOd.-
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