The Parsees of India 



549 



A Model of a " Tower of Silence ' ' 



This model gives a fair idea of a Tower of Silence ; the circular wall, steps, drainage wells, the 

 door, and also the inside construction are exactly represented in miniature. 



sians. Lastly, the throwing of a few 

 grains of rice upon each other is watched 

 with much interest by the friends and re- 

 lations of the bride and bridegroom. 



The eyes of all, particularly of the 

 ladies, are upon the pair to see which 

 succeeds in throwing first the rice as 

 soon as the curtain is withdrawn. The 

 one who succeeds is supposed to evince 

 the more love and affection of the two. 



Then the senior ''dastur" begins the 

 more solemn part of the marriage cere- 

 mony, and pronounces the following 

 blessing : ' ' May the omniscient Lord 

 bless you with many sons and grand- 

 sons, with good livelihood, heart-rav- 

 ishing friendship, and an existence of 

 one hundred and fifty years." 



Portions of the brief address which 

 follows the blessing are given below. 



By the helping name of Ahura Mazda may 



your happiness increase. 

 May you be brilliant. 

 Try to do good deeds. 

 Be increasing. 

 Be victorious. 



Learn to do good deeds of piety. 



Be worthy to do good deeds. 



Think of nothing but the truth. 



Speak nothing but the truth. 



Do nothing but what is proper. 



Shun all bad thoughts. 



Shun all bad words. 



Shun all bad actions. 



Praise deeds of piety. 



Commit no acts opposed to piety. 



Praise the Mazdayasnan religion. 



Do nothing without mature consideration. 



Acquire wealth by good means. 



