The searchlight., 1911-11-24

d"dy "ttu ehS Suosoa'-
soon as a child Is born 1t Is promised
in marriage, and should one OF the
contracted parties die before the ful-
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 II entails appearance in
public. The betrothal is as binding
as marriage itself. and should 1t be
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 helman or dia-
dem, a piece OF cloth covered with
pearls. spangles and coral beads;
boots and slippers Of yellow leather
embroidered in 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.
PreIinninaries Of Wedding Day.
The dunu 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 a 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 focks to survey
and criticise those who had charge ol
her toilet Whatever her personal de
fects says the Queen. she herself II
admired as beautiful and good; but
comments on the manner Of her ad
justment are freely pronounced. anc
by impassively and hear thcmselve,
blamed.
Her father and brothers are now ad
mitted to behold her. and to these
she kneels. asking pardon for any pas
neglect Of her duty or any offense sh'
may have given. Sobs and expires
sions of affection are the reply ant
there is an exchange Of endearment,
between her and each member Of hel
family. The feasting and rejoicing nov
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 tn,
next day.
At five O'Clock In the morning tn,
bridegroom's house is invaded by hi
friends. each bringing present. which
mostly takes the shape Of provisions
OF coffee and sugar. The brides pres
ents consist OF silk handkerchiefs an,
pieces of gold. The latter are adde,
to the collar of coins worn by Alban
Ian women and girls and constitutini
their chief adornment and banking
account
With all her finery and sometime
that Of her relatives piled on her tn,
bride stands like an idol In q corne
Of the room. Her hands are crossed
upon her breast, her eyes cast down
her breath Is restrained as far as pos
sible and the whole effect Is mummy
like. Two matrons watch over he
while her female acquaintances defil
before her. serutinizing every inch o
her apparel from head to foot. Thel
they sit around her In a semi-circl
to continue the stare In silence.
Reluctantly Leaves Home.
A wagon carries the brides belonl
ings. incased in . huge yellow boz Z
her future homo. At the same tim
Q procession leaves the bridegroom
house leading q richly caparisone
horse for the eonveysnce Of tas bride