AN ARMENIAN WEDDING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 65, 22 July 1913, Page 3

AN ARMENIAN WEDDING.

An Armenian wedding i« not-readily forgotten. It lasts, .for several days, and starts with a general meeting of friends and relatives, who are entertained by a band of minstrels and dancers until-the arrival of the groom. In the midst of the uproar it is Armenian etiquette that the “happy” man shall totter in with faltering footsteps and blanched face (it has just been whitened with a little powder), in order to go through the ordeal of preparation. He is first publicly shaved, and then adorned with the various gifts sent by the bride-elect. His brothers next fall upon him, and. with such vigor that he speedily stands forth as Nature made him. Then they completely reclothe him in new garments as l/est they can—a difficult job, when One remembers that custom forces them to hold candles in their right hands throughout the operation. The evening terminates with bonfires, more music, and much dancing. Upon the following evening the bride puts in her first appearance by riding to church —the bridegroom walks. The priest meets- them at the porch, and reads them a very seasonable little homily upon the obligations they are about to undertake. They next march in procession to the altar, where their foreheads are bound together with gold chains. Even then, however, anather three days mimt elapse before the expectant groom is: jail owed to take possession.