A Russian Marriage.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 8987, 21 January 1891, Page 4

A Russian Marriage.

In England, the bride, though, a princt>al, is a. passive object ; but in Russia she has to undergo a deal of physical exer,ion in displaying as much passionate grief i 3 possible. - Friday is generally selected as the happy lay. The marriage takes place about six iu"tho eveniug. The greater part of the j lay is passed by the bride in weeping aud j wailhfg in the most doleful manner. About six sl»e is generally attired in a white silk dress, with a wreath of white roses (in tlie placa of orange blossoms,), and a long white j veil, which almost envelopes hor. During the ceremony of dressing, she endeavors to go iuto hysterics as often as possible, md refuses to be comforted. | Before leaving for church, she appears < vj h 1- r i^nsftla attendants, and kneels 1 before her parents, who hold, in turn, the j image of the patron saint (St. Nicholas) over her head, she all the while crying in a most piteous manner, and kissiug their J feet frantically. ' Arriving at the church about half-past seven, they are met by the bridegroom and bis friends. This causes the lady to recommence howling ; the bridegroom casting beseeching glances at bis beloved one. On the appearance of the priests she becomes somewhat calmer. One priest stands by the altar, and t?ro others at the reading-desk. The couple are placed behind the priests, who chant the service, the bride and groom holding each a lighted wax taper. Then rings are exchanged ; more chanting. A small piece of carpet is placed for the two to stand on ; two crowns are presented to them, and, having kissed the saints upon them, the crowns are held over their heads by the groomsmen. Wine is now brought in, of which they take three sips — first he and then she. After this the head priest takes hold of them and walks them round the church three times, the crowns being held over their heads. The priest then delivers an impressive address. The souple proceed to the altar, prostrate themselves, kiss the ground and then the saints on the wall. This concludes the service in the church. On reaching . home the parents of the bride Wave black bread and salt over the now happy pair — (this means, " May you never want the good here offered you !"— at the same time giving the blessing. Then they stand up, and a general wave of kissing sets in, the whole company tak« ing part. Champagne is brought in, and there is a general clatter while glasses are being "touched" and the toast of- the evening honored. Chocolate and fruit are next partaken of. Dancing then commences— the steward leading off the new bride, who has forgotten her sorrows. They dance through all the rooms, making a circuit of all possible apartments. This is generally kept up till about five, and then the happy pair are conducted to their new dwelling. An English person -will naturally ex- . press astonishment at a bride marrying a man who appears so repugnant to her ; but she would not be considered a good wife if she were not led to the altar in a shower-bath of tears — in fact, in .Russia, the more tears a woman sheds the better her husband likes her.