iSO 
TIIE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
bed. It gives us a striking idea of the total want of industry 
among the Ceylonese, and their extreme state of poverty, 
that even these simple marriage presents are frequently be- 
yond the ability of the man to purchase, and that he is 
often obliged to borrow them for the occasion from some of 
his neighbours. 
The wedding presents are presented by the bridegroom in 
person, and the following night he is entitled to lie with the 
bride. Upon this occasion is appointed the day for bringing 
her home, and celebrating the wedding with festivities. On 
that day he and his relations repair to the bride s house, 
carrying along with them what they are able to con- 
tribute to the marriage - feast. The bride and bridegroom, 
in the presence of this assembly, eat out of one dish to 
denote that they are of the same rank. Their thumbs are 
then tied together; and the ceremony concludes by the 
nearest relations, or the priest, when he is present, cutting 
them asunder. This, however, is accounted a less binding 
ceremony, and indeed scarcely intended for continuance. 
When it is desired to make the marriage as firm and indis- 
soluble as the nature of their manners will allow, the parties- 
are joined together with a long piece of cloth, which is 
folded several times round both their bodies; and w'ater is 
then poured upon them by the priest, who always officiates 
at this ceremony although rarely at the former. After the 
marriage ceremony, whether the stricter or the less binding 
one, is performed, the parties pass the night at the bride s 
