Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 3.djvu/242

Rh customs have been observed, and the various observances which extend over as many as nine days, and are accompanied by feastings and music, are too minute for description in this place. One great matter for adjustment also is the Jaez, or trousseau of the bride, which is frequently a subject of serious difference. In wealthy families the trousseau is as magnificent as it can be made, both in jewels and clothing; but in poorer families economy is practised to the verge of disagreement with the relatives of the bridegroom. The bridal dresses, both of bride and bridegroom, are as costly as the parties can afford, those of the rich being of cloth of gold and silver, and of muslins woven with brocade, &c.; and however poor the parties may be, a trimming of narrow and coarse gold or silver lace is indispensable. Both Mahomedans and Hindoos tax then means to the utmost in marrying their children, and frequently load themselves with debts. On the whole, however, Mahomedans are the most prudent, and many of the stricter religious classes dispense with extra ceremonials, and adhere to the simple form prescribed by then law. As with Hindoos, so also with Mahomedans—no contract can take place without an astrological basis. The planets have to be consulted in conjunction with the initial of the names of the bride and bridegroom. These are resolved into four elements, and auguries are drawn for them; for instance, if the man be fire and the woman air, the utmost love will subsist between them. So also if both are earth. If one be fire and the other water, they will live in a chronic state of disagreement, and the varieties of combmation are very numerous. Mahomedans in general have the utmost faith in this species of divination; but its absurdity must be often patent to themselves.

The costume of the girl represented is the ordinary one of northern Mahomedan women—the large petticoat or laenga, and clooputta or scarf. She has also a bodice below the scarf'. It is very probable that she was induced to put on her marriage garments to appear to the best advantage, for the petticoat and scarf are trimmed with gold or silver tissue, which altogether forms a handsome mass of drapery.