Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 9, 1898.djvu/165

Rh the red sheet which was held over him, and, wrapping it round his body, he sits again on the "Kharrah."

At this juncture his sister or some near female relative brings in the "Seyrah," which is a head-dress made up of wire and gold-tinsel paper, with coloured tassels suspended about it. The one who adorns the bridegroom with it receives a fee from the house. Another "Seyrah" is then brought in by the gardener of the village, or "Mallear," in the shape of a garland of roses, or jasmine if in season. The gardener also receives his fee. After the bridegroom has been duly adorned by these "Seyrahs," he still remains seated on the "Kharrah" until his father and near relations come forward and announce to him the marriage-gifts that they intend to bestow. These may take the form of a plot of land, or a camel, or cow, and often of a horse. After this announcement the bridegroom rises off the "Kharrah," which is looked upon as a distinct part of the ceremonies, and is termed the "Kharrah lahavee," or "Descent from the Basket." As he gets off he tramples on the cover of the "Ghurrolee" and smashes it into atoms, and by so doing is supposed to indicate that he will thus overcome all difficulties that may come across his path in life.

The youth now takes a seat on a mat or carpet which is spread upon the ground; and the best man, or "Saballah," places himself beside him, having in his right hand either a sword or large knife. Then a brass plate, or "Thallee," and a bracelet of silver, or "Kurrah," are brought in and placed immediately in front of the bridegroom. In the "Thallee" is some sugar.

When things are thus prepared, the friends and guests, who have by this time arrived, advance and place sums of money in the "Thallee," the amounts averaging from one up to ten rupees, or more. This is called "Naindrah;" and the money so given is looked upon as a debt which the family will have to make good at the weddings of others in the village. A register of those who give, and the amount,