SERB ROYAL WEDDING.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 136, 10 June 1922, Page 7

SERB ROYAL WEDDING.

MEDIEVAL SPECTACLE. OLD-TIME CEREMONIES. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) BELGRADE. June 9. A medieval spectacle curiously combined with modern customs characterised the marriage of King Alexander of Serbia, to Princess Marie of Rumania. Fifty thousand troops were concentrated in the capital. The wedding procession, which passed along streets held by a double line of soldiers, was beaded by riders representing all the provinces of Yugoslavia. The riders wore gala costumes, recalling comic operas and romances to which the Balkans have furnished the background. At the door of the cathedral, in which the marriage was performed according to the rites of the Orthodox Creek Church, the Patriarch, splendidly robed, met the royal couple, who kissed the testament and sacred ikon. The Duke of York, King George's second son, throughout the long ritual stood behind King Alexander holding various symbols. After the exchange of rings the royal couple moved to the altar where the Patriarch joined their hands and placed the marriage crowns on the heads of the bride and bridegroom, the choir meanwhile singing nuptial chants. The bride was gowned in silver tissue and wore the traditional Rumanian nuptial gold head-dress, The newly-wedded pair received a most enthusiastic reception in the streets, the spectators including peasants ill sheepskins and homespun garments, who revelled in the beauty of the bride and the riot of colour of those in the procession. Quaint customs and further Slav ceremonies place at the castle, where Princess Marie stepped over a strip of white cloth representing a moat and svmbolisins the passage from the old to the new life. She then scattered grain in the courtyard and re-entered the palace with a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine ns a sign of bringing joy to her husband's house. Waiting her in the hall was a peasant child, whom the princess lifted and kissed. The police on Tuesday arrested fifty Communists, some in possession of bombs.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)