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



The position is embarrassing for him, as all eyes, mostly 

 critical, many disparaging, are fixed on him, and the 

 accompanying comments are not always inaudible. 



While the bridegroom is paying this hymeneal penalty to 

 the practices of his people, his friends are enjoying them- 

 selves elsewhere. In Moorish circles every breakfast and 

 dinner is an exact copy of the other — the same dishes, the 

 same arrangement, the same drinks (hot and cold water), 

 the same " saldms " and " aleJcams." 1 



The feast for the males over, the poor females take their 

 turn. They likewise arrange themselves in the order of 

 their castes, and otherwise go through precisely the same 

 routine, except that no chantoshdm is expected of or given by 

 them. While, however, no male condescends to carry home 

 for the little ones any o£ the sweetmeats served, their 

 spouses do not hesitate to share that part of the contents of 

 the tray among themselves for the purpose. At about 

 12 P.M. or later they depart, and then the bridegroom dines 

 for the first time in the bride's house, with a few of her 

 relatives. It is not till perhaps 2 A.M. that he retires to 

 the bridal chamber. 



Early next morning the married sisters and female cousins 

 or nearest female relations of the bridegroom visit the 

 bride's chamber and prepare her for the bath. Shortly after 

 the newly-married couple are conducted under a white 

 canopy, this time held aloft by fairer fingers, and with the 

 same chorus of " olu " " olu" sitting side by side, are bathed. 

 No males are permitted to be present. The bath over, the 

 morning repast, consisting of milk-rice, cakes, and plantains, 

 is served. The happy couple are seated on the floor and 

 surrounded by the female friends of the two families, the 

 ceremony of mutual feeding takes place. The bridegroom 

 helping himself to a quantity of " milk-rice," mixes it with 

 some sugar, mashed plantain, and more milk, in his plate, 



1 The usual Muslim salutabion is " as saldmw 'alekam," " the peace of 

 God be with you." — B., Hon. Sec. 



