226 JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. X. 



It is fashionable at the present day not to forget the 

 "infidel" section of the bridegroom's acquaintance. On a 

 memorable occasion, not many years ago, the Governor and 

 many of the elite of society graced one of these weddings 

 in Kandy. How they were entertained and what impres- 

 sions they carried away with them are matters of history. 



The whole circle of friends, patrons, — nay, even acquain- 

 tances, — has a few days appropriated to its entertainment. 

 Two or three large square tables are loaded with every kind 

 of sweetmeats, cakes, preserves, biscuits, sherbets, and fruits 

 imaginable, served mostly in glass dishes and plates (of 

 course borrowed for the occasion, as the Moors in their 

 daily life do not even use a tumbler for drinking). Teacups 

 are ranged opposite each chair in one of the best rooms, 

 or a temporary mandapam hung with white cloth and 

 ornamented for the occasion, where the alien guests, as they 

 arrive, are received and treated to the aforesaid delicacies 

 and tea. 



Let us now suppose that the wedding day has arrived. 

 On that day takes place the great feast at the bridegroom's 

 house, called mdppillai viddu pakatchbru. By midday 

 all the invited guests from far and near have arrived, and 

 seated themselves on the floor with legs crossed tailor- 

 fashion, shoulder to shoulder, according to caste and condi- 

 tion, and having their backs to the walls. As each guest 

 arrives he is served with the indispensable betel ; but when 

 all have assembled and the rooms are full, large basins of 

 water are placed at intervals along the lines of squatting 

 guests, with a teacup floating in it, and huge brass spittoons 

 by them, into which every guest washes first his mouth 

 and then his hand preparatory to eating. The provender 

 is served in trays, each tray consisting usually of a dish of 

 ghee-rice, a fried fowl, a dish of mutton curry, another 

 of beef, half a dozen vegetable curries, one or two 

 pickles, soup, tayir (curdled milk), and other things 

 sufficient for eight or ten people. These trays are passed 

 along by about a dozen men stationed within arms' 



