Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 5 1887.djvu/241

Rh representing which it exercises a deterrent power over the spirits and their evil influence. It would appear therefore that it is employed rather as deprecating evil than as imploring happiness.

The peach-tree is entirely dependent on the heat of the sun, and hence has become the emblem of the great and natural expeller of demons, whose hours of mischief are those of darkness. Hence also the peach-tree is the symbol of the East, of the vernal sun, and of longevity, as representing the principal creative power in the universe.

Early on the wedding morning, which is supposed to be passed by the bride and her relatives in tears, the bridegroom sends a present of a goose and gander, wine, fruits, a marriage robe of red, and, if one of the literati or an official, a phœnix headress or coronet. The goose, with part of the presents, is returned, the gander, &c., being retained by the bride. Shortly after this, the bridal chair, attended by the minstrels, proceeds to her residence. Her parents thereupon take a piece of red paper rolled into a spill, which they dip in oil, and insert lighted into the chair in order to chase out any demons that may be lurking inside. The bride, her features entirely concealed by a square red silk veil, is carried out and placed in the chair, care being taken to avoid allowing her feet to touch the threshold. Two women, relatives of the bride, follow her in sedans, dressed in red robes. The band of musicians leads the way playing with great vigour, while crackers are discharged at short intervals. On arrival at the house, the bridegroom places a ladder on the inside of the door, ascending which, he stretches out one leg for the bride to pass under. This is known as "the man is strong, the woman weak." The bridegroom has also two female attendants dressed in red robes. One of these holds a sieve containing the fruit known as "dragon's eyes," with a few chopsticks and juniper-leaves. The other holds a measure containing rice, in which are fixed two lighted candles, a mirror, a two-foot rule, a lighted lamp, dragon's eyes, and lotus-nuts. This measure is taken hold of by the bride and the second woman, whilst the first holds the sieve over the bride's head; thus escorted, she enters the house, crossing in doing so a saddle placed on the ground to signify the speed with which she escapes from any demons who may be following. The chopsticks (fài