Page:Folklore1919.djvu/282

270 The call of another prayer takes all to the Mosques for ‘asr (afternoon) prayer, the time of this prayer is usually reckoned between the hours of 4 p.m. and sunset. And after this they have to be present at the general gathering when all members of the family have brought their trays of gifts. Sweets and dried dates are thrown over the guests by the bride's people. They all sit, men on one side, and the ladies with their veils on the other. One by one they bring their trays, many pleasant remarks are made. "He is a," one says in the midst of an announcement, "rich man, Baba." "Baba" is a word like "brethren,"—others say, "Ah, ha, this is why my uncle has been saving the gold," and so on.

Someone has not brought his gift. He does not move to call for his trays, all look at him, the bride's father and mother feeling angry with their stingy kinsman. All at once he rises, throws his shawl over the bridegroom, and from under his huge coat brings out two heavy bags. He opens them and pours golden coins over the bridegroom. Then all applaud, and he makes a speech to say that he is a poor man and he would like to shower all the gold and jewels of all the earth over his relation's son, but perhaps they would gratify his humble desires by accepting what he has to give.

This function being over, afternoon tea is served. Those who care to retire may do so, and their meals are carried to their quarters, others have them together.

The financial strain of the wedding is in large measure placed on the bride's people. They have to erect the skadi khana, provide accommodation for the guests, and the number of the guests often reached as many as a thousand people. The cost of the food is divided between the bride-groom's father and the bride's father.

We come to the next day of the celebrations. After the morning prayer, the programme starts, the first item being the drawing up of the clauses of nikāh nāma and makr