Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/145

Rh which I shall make some slight observations in another chapter. Sometimes a marriage procession, or the Basunat, a procession in honour of circumcision, would pass us. The two are by no means unlike, the principal object of attraction in both being generally a youth seated on a pony, who, accompanied by musicians, is conducted with such parade as his circumstances will admit of. The greatest point of distinction consists in the difference of attire, the bridegroom invariably being naked to the waist, his face, neck, body, and arms entirely covered with a bright yellow colour, resembling yellow ochre, and his hair, which is allowed to flow loosely down his back, decked with flowers. His dress from the waist downwards is a baték, or a Bugis silk sarong. The Basunat is generally dressed from head to foot with unusual finely, and sometimes, though not frequently, he likewise is yellow washed.

The bridegroom has his ceremony to go through