Dewey County advocate. [volume] (Timber Lake, S.D.) 1910-1913, 1911-12-01
" HzN/1RNGE EZAS/

Z@N RADLE DeLTOtHdlS are olAAA
MAN. common among the AL
N3NIIW banians in spite of the Ell
WMSR forts of missionaries to co
~ away with the custom. AZ
soon as child is born it is promised
In marriage, and should one OF the
contracted parties die before the full
fillment of the contract 1t is again
the parents who decide and enter into
a new engagement.
Mohammedan influence has affected
woman's life to the extent that girls
are secluded from the age Of twelve,
and even Christians do not attend
mass. since it entails appearance in
public. The betrothal is as binding
as marriage itself, and should it he
broken swift vengeance is wreaked on
the entire family of the troth breaker.
Some days before the wedding day
the bridegroom sends presents to the
bride, consisting of holman or dia-
dem, a piece of cloth covered with
pearls, spangles and coral beads;
boots and slippers of yellow leather
embroidered III gold and boxes OF
sweetmeats. These presents. called
the dunti, are carried in state by two
members of the young mans family,
who are received with much solemnity
by the heads Of the brides family.
PreIiminaries Of Wedding Day.
The dunti is placed on a table in
the best room and all gather around
1t to admire and say the words Per
heir!" (good luck). The ENJOYS are
then invited to sit and partake of cof-
fee, liquors and various sweets, while
their hosts remain standing and pre-
serve silence indicative of respect
The most rigorous politeness prevails
on both sides throughout the visit and
topics Of usual interest are avoided as
out of place.
On the eve of the momentous day
she is dressed in all her finery and the
entire neighborhood flocks to survey
and criticise those who had charge of
her toilet. Whatever her personal de-
fects says the Queen, she herself is
admired as beautiful and good; but
comments on the manner of her ad-
justment are freely pronounced and
the responsible matrons have to stand
by impassively and hear themselves
blamed.
Her father and brothers are now ad-
mitted to behold her. and to these
she kneels, asking pardon for any past
neglect of her duty or any offense she
may have given. Sobs and express
sions of affection are the reply and
there is an exchange of endearments
between her and each member of her
family. The feasting and rejoicing now
begin in earnest and the guests de-
part only when the night is far spent.
The bridegroom retires early in or
der to prepare for the fatigues of the
next day.
At five o'clock in the morning the
bridegroom's house is invaded by his
friends, each bringing a present, which
mostly takes the shape of provisions
of coffee and sugar. The brides pres
ents consist of silk handkerchiefs and
pieces of gold. The latter are added
to the collar of coins worn by Albau-
ian women and girls and constituting
their chief adornment and banking
account.
With all her finery and sometimes
thst of her relatives piled on her the
bride stands like an idol in a corner
of the room. Her hands are crossed
upon her breast. her eyes cast down.
her breath is restrained as far as DOS
sible and the whole effect is mummy.
like. Two matrons watch over her
while her female acquaintances defile
before her. scrutinizing every inch of
her apparel from head to foot. Then
they sit around her in a semi-circle
20 continue the stare in silence.
Reluctantly Leaves Home.
A wagon carries the brides belong
ings. incased in huge yellow box to
her future home. At the same time
q procession leaves the bridegroom's
house leading a richly caparisoned
horse for the conveyance Of the bride.