Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 18, 1907.djvu/88

60 and the basin is surrounded by a low divan occupied by the bathers, who, especially on the women's day, sing and shriek the name of Allah in various forms according to their race and religion, exceeding in noise and energy when a bride happens to be present surrounded by friends and relatives all intent on securing for her all the future advantages effected by due ceremonial on the present occasion.

Mrs. Einsler relates (op. cit.) that a man who had fallen asleep after the bath, and had been accidentally overlooked when the place was closed for the night, was awakened by light and movement, and looking through a corner of the abaye (mantle) which concealed him, observed a large party of jinn occupied in the bathing and toilette of a bride. After a time they desired refreshment and were bidden by their chief to fetch a plate of kubebe from one house, and a bowl of ma‘mūl from another—newly baked cakes, over which the name of God had not been spoken. While the meal was proceeding, one of the spirits discovered and invited the watcher, who however was too frightened to move, and feigned continued sleep. Music and dancing followed, and then a bridal garment was sent for, in which the bride was arrayed, when to his horror the watcher observed that the dress belonged to his youngest daughter, recently married. The bride happened to be near him, and, according to Arab custom, took no part in the dance. Observing a vessel of dough within reach, he dipped in his hand, and marked a corner of the dress. When daylight returned the jinn disappeared, and the man arose and went to his home. His first task was to question his youngest daughter as to the whereabouts of her new green silk wedding dress, which was accordingly produced. It was found to be crushed as from recent wear, and marked with dough in one corner. Thereupon he related his experiences, warning his family never again to put away a dress or