A RUSSIAN CHRISTENING.

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 23 August 1911, Page 2

A RUSSIAN CHRISTENING.

A Russian christening is an imposing affair, especially if it happens to be an Imperial one. It is attended by the "demoiselles d'honneur," or Court ladies, of which each Empress has 500, and who on such occasions are dressed alike in petticoats of white satin and scarlet velvet trains, embroidered with gold. The babe is borne in on a gold cushion, arrayed in lace and silk—pink-fora girl, blue for a boy. It is not ettiquette for the parents to be present during the actual ceremonial so the Emperor has to withdraw until it is over. The baby is undressed to the shirt, dipped twice in the font, and her hair is cut in four places in the form of a cross, the pieces cut off being rolled up into a ball with wax and thrown into the font. If the hair swims it is considered a very bad omen! After this the babe is dressed in fresh clothing, wearing a robe of cloth of silver for the Mass. The anointing with oil on the face, hands, and feet follows, and then the babe is carried twice round the church by the chief godmother to return to the Palace as she came, in a Cinderella coach of glass and gold, drawn by half-a dozen milk white steeds, each horse led by a gorgeous groom while Cossacks form an escort. t.:'