Matrimonial customs, or, The various ceremonies and divers ways of celebrating weddings practised amongst all the nations in the whole world done out of French. — Cérémonies nuptiales de toutes les nations. English

Matrimonial customs, or, The various ceremonies and divers ways of celebrating weddings practised amongst all the nations in the whole world done out of French. — Cérémonies nuptiales de toutes les nations. English

Table of contents

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Title page

THE PREFACE.

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CEREMONIES Observed at the MARRIAGES OF THE JEWS. CHAPTER I.

CEREMONIES Observed at the MARRIAGES OF CHRISTIANS. CHAP. II. Customs and Ceremonies used amongst Roman Catholicks.

CHAP. III. Rites and Ceremonies practised among Protestant Lutherans.

CHAP. IV. Nuptial Rites and Ceremonies, used amongst Evangelical Protestants.

CHAP. V. The Rites and Nuptial Ceremonies of the Grecians.

CHAP. VI. Nuptial Rites and Ceremonies of the Abissin's.

CHAP. VII. Nuptial Rites and Ceremonies of the Egyptians.

CHAP. VIII. Nuptial Ceremonies amongst the Sabeans.

CHAP. IX. Nuptial Rites or Ceremonies of Marriage amongst the Christians of Colchis, Georgia, Circassia, and other adjacent Places

THE Second Treatise. Nuptial Rites or Ceremonies of Marriage, observed and practised amongst Mahometans.

THE Third Treatise. Of Nuptial Rites, or Ceremonies, of Marriages practised amongst Idolaters and Pagans.

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Matrimoniall Customes

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MATRIMONIAL Customs: OR THE Various Ceremonies, AND Divers Ways of Celebrating Weddings, Practised amongst all the Nations, in the whole World.

Done out of French.

LONDON.

Printed, for A. S. and sold by the Booksellers, 1687.

[Page] THE PREFACE.

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FEw Authors do agree about the true definition of Marriage. Charron, in his book of Wisdom, calls it a wise Bargain, and an honourable Contract; others, more Critical, tell us that it is a name importing nothing but meer Slavery and Bondage, a Society of evils and troubles. I think it not worth the while to examine the several Opinions about the right Definition of it, much less to pass my censure upon the sentiments of any man. I shall content my self with the Definition commonly approved by all the judicious Civilians, which say that Marriage is no other thing than [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] an holy union of the man with the woman, which cannot be dissolved, but by the death of the one or the other. Matrimonium est viri & mulieris conjunctio, individuam vitae societatem continens.

It is the first and most honourable of all other States and Conditions in the World, seeing it deriveth its institution from no other than from the the Supream Author of Nature. It is also the most extensively profitable, seeing that it is the foundation of all humane society, the rise of families, and consequently the off-spring of Commonwealths and Kingdoms. Prima societas in coniugio est, quod principium Urbis, seminarium Reipublicae. And although the holy and truly Catholick Church never reckoned it in the number of Sacraments, yet was it ever esteemed as a sacred ordinance, seeing it was instituted by God himself, in the Paradise of Eden, and that the Second Person [Page] of Deity, being manifested in the flesh, did not only vouchsafe to honour it with his presence, but also with his first miracle.

But although Marriage be Common to all the Nations in the World, yet it is not regulated by the same Laws, nor celebrated in the same Forms and Ceremonies, they varying according to the diversity of Religions and Nations. Amongst Christians Marriage is very strict and severe, one man being allowed but one woman: But amongst the greatest part of other Religions, Polygamy and Divorce are commonly approved of and practised, to the end (as they say) that Marriage be less cumbersom, more free and more fruitful. But notwithstanding the great variety of Laws and Ceremonies used amongst so many different Nations, yet there is never a Nation under the Cope of Heaven, how barbarous soever it be, but celebrateth the solemnity of Wedlock, with more than ordinary Ceremonies and festival Jollities.

[Page] This hath induced me to make a diligent Inquiry, into the different Ceremonies, which are practised amongst the Jews, Christians, Mahumetans and Idolaters: These four being the only Religions known in the World. As for the Jews, they being the most Ancient People, I shall begin this small treatise with them, humbly submitting my endeavours to the censures of the Curious Reader.

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CEREMONIES Observed at the MARRIAGES OF THE JEWS. CHAPTER I.

THe Jews commonly marry their Sons at Eighteen years of Age, according to the Ordinance of their Talmud, and sometimes sooner, to avoid Fornication; as for the Daughters, they may marry at Twelve years and a Day.

When the Marriage of the two Parties is agreed upon, many Jews, both young and old, assemble themselves in some covered place, where the young Jews hold, every one of them, an Earthen Pot in their hands. One of them reads the Contract of Marriage, and gives notice of the day prefixt for the Wedding, above all declaring [Page] that the party, who shall not stand to that which is agreed upon, shall pay to the other party, such a Sum of Money, as the Parents of both parties have unanimously pitched upon. This being done, they wish one another all prosperity and happiness, and in the mean while all the young Jews fling their Earthen Pots on the ground, and break them in pieces, believing this to be a token of great plenty, and future abundance. As they are going out of the said place, there is alwayes one who stands at the Door, who gives every one of them a Glass of Wine, and sometimes also some Sweet Meats. The Rabbi, whose Office it isto crave a blessing upon the Espousals, takes a a Glass full of Wine, and after that he hath blessed it, and tasted of it, he imparts the remnant, to the new betrothed Couple, who, going to their Houses, ought not to go out of Doors, within eight days after. But during this retreat, many young Bachellors daily resort to the House of the future Bridegroom, to divert him and make merry with him

The betrothed Woman is bound to bath her self in cold Water, the day before her Marriage: And she is conducted into that Bath, by some Women, which make a very great noise, to the end that [Page] every body may take notice, that she is a betrothed Woman, while she is in the Bath, many of those Women dance and sing round about her.

The future Bride-groom sends to his betrothed Spouse a Wedding Girdle, garnished with Plates of Gold; the betrothed Spouse doth the like to her betrothed Husband: But the Girdle, which she must send him, ought only to be Garnished with Plates of Silver.

The Wedding day being come, the betrothed Bride make her self as fine as her Husband and ability can permit her, according to the fashion of the Jews: afterwards she is conducted by some Women, which sing before her, into a Room whene they dress her head as neatly as they can, other Women in the while singing and dancing before her, for to recreate her, thinking by so doing, to render to God some very acceptable Sacrifice.

When the Bride-groom must receive the Nuptial Blessing, four young Bachellors carry a Canopy, which, being born up upon four sticks at the four Corners of it, they carry into some open place or garden, where the solemnity of the Nuptials must be performed. The Bridegroom with his Relations, and the Bride with many [Page] Women, together with Musicians playing on several Instruments, resort under the said Canopy, and then every one that is present at the solemnity crieth aloud, Blessed be he that is come. Then the Bridegroom goes three times round about his Bride, and having taken her by the hand, the people cast some Corns of Wheat upon them crying, Increase and multiply.

In some places, where People are more wealthy, they use to mingle with their Wheat some pieces of Silver, which the poorer sort of Jews gather up. The Bride stands always at the right hand of her Bridegroom, and besides it is requisite that her face be always turned towards the South; for the Rabbins have left a Tradition in their Talmud, that if any person place the Bed so as her face be towards the South, that then she is like to be the Mother of many Children. The Rabbi, who joines them in Marriage, sets, upon the head of the Bride, the end of the hair-cloth, which the Bridegroom weareth upon his neck; that being done, he takes a Glass of Wine, and, saying the two prayers which are in the Mahzor, after that he hath tasted of it, he gives it to the young Couple to drink. Then, if the Bride be a Maid, they give her drink in a strait [Page] narrow Glass; but if she be a Widdow, then she must drink in a broad one. Then the Rabbi receiving from the Bridegroom a Ring of Gold without any stone in it, he calls in some witnesses, and shewing them the said Ring, he enquires of them whether it be of fine pure Gold; and having received an answer in the affirmative, he then sets it about the second Finger of the Bride; and having done that, he begins to read the Contract of Marriage with a loud and intelligible voice. After that he takes another Glass of Wine, and praising God that the two Parties have taken one another, he presents them another time with drink; after that the Bridegroom hath drunk up his Glass, he with all his strength casts it against the Wall, or against the ground, to the end it be all broken in pieces: And this they do for a remembrance of the Destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem. In some places they use to strew ashes upon the head of the Bridegroom for a Memorial of the Temple which was burnt down; and for this same reason the Bridegroom weareth a black Hood upon his head, as those are wont to do, who are in long Mourning.

The Bride hath also her head covered with a black Cap, to the end that they [Page] may show that they retain some marks of sorrow for the destruction of their Temple; even in their most Festival Solemnities.

Being Married, they are conducted to the place of Feasting, where all being sat, the Bridegroom begins to sing a very long Prayer; and in the mean while they set before the Bride a raw Egg, with a roasted Hen. Then the Bridegroom carves a little piece of that Hen, which he presenteth to his Bride; and immediately after the Guests▪ as well men as women, scuffling together, tear the remnant in pieces, and whosoever can snatch away the biggest part of it is reputed the bravest of all the company; they snatch away from one another, that which they hold in their hands, making fine sport amongst themselves, to make the new married folks merry. As for the raw Egg they fling it at one anothers Faces, and if any Christians be there to look on them, they are like to be finely dawbed with it: Now they set this Egg before the Bride, to the end that she may hope to bring forth Children, as easily as the Hen lays her Eggs. After all this mirth they lay the Cloath, and cover the Table with Dishes of all gallant meats, and then few of them remember either Jerusalem or the Temple. [Page] The feast being ended, they betake themselves to Dance a certain dance, which they call the Nuptial dance, ordained as they say by the Commandment of God: the chief and most considerable person of all the company, takes the Bridegroom by the hand, this takes another, this other takes the next, this another and so consecutively, until there be none left who may dance. The most considerable amongst the Women takes also the Bride, and they do the same amongst themselves as the Men do: So that they carry on the work with an extraordinary Mirth and Jollity. The Wedding lasts sometimes eight days: But their Rabbins strictly forbid them from inviting any Christians, for they think that the good Angels seeing them there, would forth with fly away, and the evil ones would presently succeed and come in their place.

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CEREMONIES Observed at the MARRIAGES OF CHRISTIANS. CHAP. II.
Customs and Ceremonies used amongst Roman Catholicks.

POlygamy, or the use of many Women together, is very usual amongst Infidels: but it is generally forbidden amongst Christians, who are for bidden, upon pain of death, marrying more than one Woman together; and further she must be married in the Church before the Parson of the Parish. All other Marriages contracted otherwise are declared void and clandestin, the Children born in such are reputed Bastards, [Page] and consequently incapable of Succession, & of challenging their Parents inheritance.

The Ceremonies of Marriages amongst Roman Catholicks are prescribed by the Councils. The Council of Trent, for to prevent all abuses in Marriages, declareth and pronounceth all Marriages invalid and void, which have not been celebrated before the Parson of the Parish of the one or of the other contracting parties. Wherefore according to the decrees of the Romish Church, as soon as the contracting Parties are agreed, the Parsons of their respective Parishes are bound to proclaim three Banes on three Sundays, or three Holy days consecutively, to the end that if any of the Parishoners know any lawful cause why they may not be joyned together, they may reveal it to the Parson of the Parish. And in case no body can alledge any lawful impediment, then both the parties are conducted by their parents into the Parochial Church of the Woman, where they are betroathed by the Parson of the said Parish, who examines them whether they be well contented to be betroathed one to the other, and whether they be not already engaged by promise of Marriage to any other person or persons. This is the Ceremonie, which is called Espousals [Page] or betroathing, and is nothing properly but a Nuptial preparation, or an engagement, to a future marriage, of which engagement neither of the contracted parties can be released but by the Court of the ordinary, which condemneth him or her that violateth promise, to all damages, & expensces whatever, together with a Fine.

There be some Bishopricks where they use to betroth people as soon as they are agreed together, and before the publication of the banes.

The day of marriage being prefixt, the betrothed parties, after they have been at the auricular Confession of their sins, go to receive the Communion the day before their marriage. The next day they are conducted by their friends to Church, where the parson of the Parish, having asked them their names and sirnames, asks them, one after another, whether they are content to take one another; He asketh them besides if they be not already engaged by any solemn vow, or any promise of Marriage; and whether they will engage to love and keep fidelity one to another. When to all these questions they answer affirmatively, he then blesses a ring, and thirteen pieces of money, which he gives to the Bridegroom.

[Page] The Bridegroom sets the Ring upon the fourth finger of the Brides Right Hand, in saying to her, with the Parson, with this Ring I thee wed; then giving her some pieces of money, he goes on saying, and with this money I thee endow: The Bride answereth with a compliment set down in the Romish Ceremonial. Then presently the Parson takes the right hands of them both, saying; Et ego conjungo vos in Nomine Patris, Filij & Spiritus Sancti: He sprinckleth them, and all the Assembly, with Holy Water.

After the Nuptial Blessing, both the new married Folks are bound to hear Mass with a lighted Taper in their hands, with which they go to kiss the Offertory, and to present the Parson with Bread and Wine.

Then, if the new married Folks were never married before, two of their nearest Relations hold a Sheet over their heads, whilst the Priest readeth some Prayers over them.

The Mass being ended, the Parson presenteth the Church Register to the new married Couple and to their Relations, to the end that they may sign and seal the Act of Marriage; after that then every one goes away, in the same order as they came.

[Page] On that Evening before the new married folks betake themselves to their bed, the Parson, or some other Priest deputed by him, cometh to bless the Nuptial Bed, wherein the Marriage ought to be consummated.

In the most part of Italy, they do not use to betroth people in the Church; but the contract of Marriage is made in the presence of the Parson, then the Proclamation of the Banes followeth, they proceed to the Solemnization of Marriage, which is celebrated either at Noon, with all Pomp imaginable, or else before the Sunrising without any noise at all: The Woman being conducted to Church by her Father if living, and if he be dead, by the nearest of her Relations.

At Venice when any Gentleman is to marry, as soon as the contract is made, all other Gentlemen resort to the house of the future Bride, whom they call Novizza; the Bridegroom also, with his nearest Relations comes thither: He stands at the entry of the House, receiving, with all demonstration of Honour, all his Guests, giving them his right hand as a mark of his entire Affection; The Bride doth do the like to the Women. After the Celebration of Marriage, the Bride enters into a splendid [Page] Barge finely deckt, her Hair hanging about her shoulders, being sett in the most eminent place, that is called, in their Language, Andar in Trafto; This they do to the end that every body may take notice that she is a new married Bride, and the Wife of such a Gentleman. But now adays they have left of something of the ancient Custome, for the Noviżza's appear in their Barges many days, with their Hair plaited very high, much like English Women's high Towers.

The Sicilians did formerly betroth the Man and the Woman at home, and very often were not married till the Hour of Death, or at the extremity of the one▪ or of the other Parties: But this was for bidden by the order of the Council of Trent. The espoused woman did also use to ride through the City with a great Company and Pomp, on horse-back: But that is now quite left off, since the Invention of Coaches. But notwithstanding the Prohibition of the foresaid Council even to this day, as soon as the Articles of the Contract are signed, the man enjoyes his Spouse with all liberty, and reaps the sweet Fruits of Marriage many years sometimes before the celebration of it.

At the Weddings of their Country-people, [Page] there is very much dancing, and there is always a great number of Guests, as well of the Relations and others, who bring Presents, after that the Bridegroom hath regaled them three times. Their Feasts usually consist of Meats baked in the Oven, and of Kettles full of Rice boiled in Milk▪

In France when any one is married, the betrothed man, accompanied with his Relations, Friends and other Guests, which he hath invited, and as well Men as Women, goes to fetch the Bride to conduct her to Church. The Bridegroom goes first in the middle of his nearest Relations, the young Bachellors, going two by two, follow after him, then the married men, according to their nearness of Kin: The Bride follows dressed as neatly as her ability and condition can permit, wearing on the hinder part of her Head a little Crown of white Flowers, or Diamonds, & sometimes of Oriental Pearls. Two of her near Kinswomen lead her by the Hand, then the Bridemaidens, wearing every one of them a Crown like that of the Bride, march after in the same order as the Bachellors. The married Women come in, after all the Nuptial pomp is shut up by the Servants of the Bridegroom, or of the Bride; which come the last, carrying the Bread and Wine, [Page] which ought to be presented to the Priest! They come from Church in the same order as they went, excepting only that the Bachellors conduct the Bride, and the Maidens the Bridegroom.

In some places as soon as they are come from Church to the place where the Feast is prepared, all the Relations, Friends and Guests come thither bringing their Presents, which they deposite in a great Charger sett before the new married Couple for that purpose; the Violins, and other Instruments, playing all the while: In some certain places they offer their Presents the next day after the wedding, and in others they make none at all.

The Bridegroom never sits down with others at Table, but the Bride sitting at the most honourable place, he stands always behind her, taking care to serve her, and to order the dishes upon the Table.

After the feast, the Bridegroom leads his Bride to dance, the Bachellors and Maids continue the Ball: as for the married men and women, they conduct the new married Couple into their Bed Chamber▪ which is made ready for them to lay down. The Bride makes her self somewhat shy & unwilling to be undrest, but notwithstanding her forced resistance, she is willingly [Page] constrained to yield to the force of them that have undrest her, and resign her self into the arms of her Bridegroom, for to consummate the Marriage, and (as they say) for to gain the Dowry, which hath been allowed her.

The next Day Morning, the new Married People receive the Complements of all their Friends and Relations, and even from their Neighbours, and commonly the Bridegroom makes them some Presents.

At Paris the new married Woman receiveth her visits in her Chamber, attired with all her Nuptial Ornaments, sitting on a Bed of State, all the Windows of her Chamber being shut up, so that there is no Light at all in it, but that which comes from Wax Tapers, and Flambeau's.

At present the most part of Persons, of any Quality, are married in the Night time, without any Ceremony or Pomp.

The Spaniards differ very little from the French or Italians, as to the Ceremonies of their Nuptials, but only in this sottish Custom, which they have, as I conjecture, retained from the Moor's which were a long while Masters of their Country. If, in that Amorous Duel between the loving Combatants, there happens any effusion of Blood upon the Sheets, then they expose [Page] them at the Windows, as a Trophy of the Womans Virginity, which they call, Virginita de la moucher. But if by good chance, (as it befals very often▪) the Combat hath been harmless and bloodless, then they fairly supply that defect from else-where.

Formerly the Germans never married Women of any other Nation, but their own; that they might avoid all confusion in their Blood. And they never bestowed their Daughters in Marriage too Young; Batchelors also did not go a wooing but very late: So that by that means, the Children which did proceed from two Persons of mature Age, of full Proportion, and of Vigorous strength, were also tall, strong and vigorous. They, even to this day, will never marry their Sons but to them Maids. which are of a strong constitution of body, tall, and most likely to bear strong and lusty Children. Their Nuptial Ceremonies are m uch the same as of the other People in Europe; they differ only in this, that the Bride-Maids wear every one a Crown of Gold, or of Flowers, at the Weddings of their fellow Maids, which is not lawful for others to do. All the Guests present the Bride with Jewells or Pieces of Gold & Silver, which th [...] cast into a [Page] Bason▪ which is placed before the Bride, as she sitteth at Table in the middle of Women of her near Relations, and they accompany their Presents with civil Acclamations, and good wishes, of Prosperity and Happiness, to the new married Couple.

There are amongst them some free Weddings, in which Men of Honour defray all the charges; and there be some also, in which every one pays his Scot. Their Feasts last at least three days, during which the new married Folks are accompanied with a great number of People, inso-much that a common Handicrafts-man will have oftentimes above sixty Persons at his Wedding: For the more People they have about them, the more are they regarded and esteemed.

As for their Gentlemen and Persons of considerable note, they present their new married Wives with a Chain of Gold, or some Precious Jewel, on the next day morning, after the consummation of Marriage, and this Present they call, in their Language, Morgengal, that is to say the Gift of the morning, because they bestow it upon the Bride, as soon as they are up, as it were to make her some recompence for h [...] Maiden-head, which they have taken ay [...].

[Page] If any Maid amongst them hath been so liquorish, as to have tasted of the Horse▪ Radish before the time; if she, by good fortune, doth not go away with the bag, but is so happy as to marry him, that hath already plaid upon her Fiddle, then the said couple will go to Church very early in the morning, without any Instrum [...]nts of Musick: and, in some places, but especially in Country-Towns, all the Neighbours, crowned with Garlands made of straw, accompany them to Church.

In many places they compel the Daughters at the Marriages to renounce, and disclaim, all their Rights, as well Paternal as Maternal, and this they do, in casting some straw into their Fathers Houses. Moreover if the Bride doth not shed some Tears, when she goes before the Priest to be joined in marriage, then her Virginity becomes very much suspected, and for that purpose many of them Brides carry Onions, wrapt up in their Handkerchiefs, that they may force some tears out of their Eyes.

The Francons observe this order in their Marriages. The Bridegroom, having some Trumpet [...]rs and Drummers going before him, marches between two Persons of Quality, then his Relations, and [Page] Friends follow him, two by two, until they come to the Church Door; then they make a halt till the Bride be come to them: who being preceded by many, who play on Flutes, and being accompanied with many Maids, is followed by a great number of married Women, which wear very long Mantles of black cloth, plated, and fastned to their necks, with Silver Clasps: and then the Marriage is celebrated in the presence of the Parson of the Parish, according to the Roman Ceremonial Book.

In Poland, but chiefly in the Country, of Prussia and Lithuania, Maids seldom marry under four and twenty Years of Age; and not so neither till they have first wrought, with their own hands, as much stuff, as is sufficient to cloth every one, who must accompany their Bridegroom to Church. Amongst them when any Father seeks a Wife for his Son, he neither regards her Beauty nor Wealth, but only her good Morality, ripeness of Age, and strong constitution of Body. The Women are never married till two of their future Bridegrooms near Relations have had a deep finger in their Pies, and then they use to crave their Fathers good consent: those People do still retain many [Page] Dregs of the old Superstition of the Heathens: For when the Solemnity of Matrimony is celebrated, the Bride is led three times about a Fire, then they make her sit down, they wash her feet, and with that same water they besprinckle the Nuptial Bed, and all the Utensils of the House. This done, they anoint her Mouth with Honey, they bind her Eyes with a Vail: Then she is conducted towards all the Doors of the House, which she must kick with her right Foot; they afterwards strew every Door with Wheat, Rye, Oats, Barley, Beans and Poppy, declaring that her Bridegroom shall ever enjoy a great abundance of all those good things, if she devoutly retain her Religion, and if she be careful and industrious in ordering her Family. The evening being come when she must bed with her Bridegroom, they use to cut her Hair, then the married Wom [...]n takes a Posie, which they fasten on her Head: after that they put on her Head a white Hood, which new married Women wear until they have brought forth a Son, for untill that time, they are reputed Maids. The Bride is at last conducted into her Bed-Chamber, whereafter they have shuffed and beaten her, they at length cast her into the Bed, into her Bridegrooms armes. [Page] And then instead of Sweet Meats or Sack Possets, they bring them a dish of Rams or of Bears stones to eat; For they think that after they have eaten of that meat, they become very prolifick and fruitful, & for this reason th [...]y never use to kill any gelded creature for their use at their Nuptial Feasts.

In the Island of Goa the person who intends to marry never sees his Mistriss, but in her Parish Church where she useth to resort; if he liketh her he, taking a Priest along with him, goes to her house and then is betrothed to her: He may visit her after this Ceremony, but they are never permitted to be alone together. Many men of that Country are not contented to see their Mistresses as they are dressed in their best Cloths, but will also view them at Home, in the Market, and in their ordinary Habits, that they may the better discern whether they cover not some natural defect, and whether they be not patched or painted.

They generally marry in the afternoon, and they use to go to Church in great Pomp and Solemnity. The Bridegroom is oftentimes accompanied with 80 or an hundred Young Men, all on horseback, richly attired & clothed: The Relations & [Page] Friends of both Parties follow them. The Bride sitting in a Sedan, and the Women, which are her Relations, are every one carried in their Sedans also; They being come near the Church, they all alight, and the Bridegroom, being conducted by two Men of his nearest Relations, and the Bride also by two Women of her near Kinswomen, into the Church, where they are joined in Marriage: They call the foresaid persons their four Gossips. After the Solemnization of Marriage, they return home in the same order as they came, the Trumpets and other Musical Instruments playing all the while before them, the People, as they pass along, casting sweet Meats, Comfits, sweet Waters, and Flowers in the street, which the Servants, scuffling one with another, gather up. Being come to the house where the Feast is prepared, the nearest Relations and their most intimate Friends go in, but as for the Young Men they remain without, making sport, before the door, with the running and bouncing of their Horses, and fighting with Reeds and Canes, which they throw one at another. The new married Folks, and their Friends, standing in the Balconies, and others at the Windows, looking upon their Sports and Braveries. This Pastime being over, they all ali [...]t [Page] off their Horses: And being conducted into a low Hall, they are presented with all sorts of Sweet Meats of Fruits, and with a kind of perfumed Aromatical water, called water of Bagulrim. Then the Bridegroom comes down to them, and dismisses them with all Civility and Demonstration of Thankfulness: Then he returns to his Parents and Relations, with whom he feasteth: But they stay very little at Table, every one retiring into their Habitations. The new married couple go to bed, commonly before Sun set, without so many Ceremonies, and Drolleries, as are practised among the French.

The Sclavonians, of the Common-wealth of Ragusa, are never married but with Persons of their Rank and Quality, that is to say, the Noble with the Noble, so that a Noble Person can not marry a Woman of the vulgar sort, or a Stranger, for fear of introducing any ignoble Blood into his Family, which might blemish the lustre of his Nobility; and for this cause the number of Noble Families is so much diminished, that there is not above 20 or 25 now left among them, which have the Government and Administration of all the affairs of their Common-Wealth.

Notwithstanding if any Noble Person [Page] was willing, either for some private conveniency or molument, to marry a Wife born out of his own Country, he may lawfully do it: Provided that she be a Lady, born between Zare and Cattaro, but not otherwise. And besides whosoever should marry such a Lady, born in the Country aforesaid, it is requisite that he be worth, at least, two Thousand Ducats of Gold for a Dowry, and for the security of the said Lady.

As for the Portions at the Marriages of their Sons, they are limited by the Law, at a Thousand Ducats of Gold: But, at present, they little regard that limitation; so that a Father will give his Son four, five or six Thousand Ducats of Gold, and sometimes more, according to the Means and Quality of the Woman. The Marriage Mony is paid before ever the Man see the Woman he must have; and when every thing is agreed upon, the Mony paid, and the Contract signed and sealed, he may then with all liberty go to visit her: For it is a constant custom, amongst the Ragusians, never to court and caress their Ladies, but only after that they are made sure with them, When a Maid is married, it is lawful for her to wear Silk Cloths a month after her Marriage, that she may be distinguished from others, who wear Cloth [Page] ones. But when a Lady is married, she is obliged to wear, on Holy Days, a double Hood of red Satin, purfled with Gold and Silver Flowers, to the end she may be discerned from the common ignoble sort of Women.

As for the Flemings, and other Inhabitants of the Neighbouring Countrys, they have that particular Custom, that they easily, and without any difficulty, contract Marriage with Strangers; but it is reputed amongst them very unseemly, and a very filthy thing, for a Young Man to marry an Old Woman, or for an Old Woman to marry a Young Man. Tradesmen never marry Gentlewomen, nor Gentlemen Tradesmens Daughters; and it is never seen amongst them, which is commonly practised amongst the French, for the Master to marry his Chamber-maid, and for the Mistress to marry her Servant. In that Country, Gentlemen always prefer their Eldest Daughters before the Youngest, so that many times they will bestow their Youngest upon them to whom they have refused the Eldest; because they reserve her for a better Match, and more advantageous Fortune.

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CHAP. III. Rites and Ceremonies practised among Protestant Lutherans.

THe Protestant Lutherans are married in the face of the Church, as Roman-Catholicks are, and they are conducted there with great Pomp and Solemnity, to receive the Nuptial Blessing from the Hand of their Minister.

At Strasburgb, and in the Neighbouring Countrys, when any Young Man goes a Wooing, after that he hath sufficiently testified his affection to his Mistress by Letters, or any other way; he then goes about Midnight, with some of his intimate Friends and with many Flambeau's, to give his Mistress a Serenade, or a Musical Concert, before the door of the house where she dwells: And if she appear not looking out of her Window, then the Young Man may assure himself of a Repulse, and that his Suit is but in vain, but in case she be seen to be present there, then he may sometimes visit her about the Evening, provided always that some of [Page] her Domestieks be present at their amorous Entertainment After any common Wedding the Trumpets sound, on Munday and Tuesday Morning, that the People may take notice, that there hath been a Wedding amongst People of Trade, which are married but on those days: As for the Weddings of Noble Persons, they last three days and an half. There be also amongst them some free Weddings, called amongst them Frengaal Hoczeit, where People bring Presents, but pay nothing, but in others every one pays his share.

In Saxony, when any Gentleman is married, the Gentlemen, and Young Gentlewomen of the Neighbourhood resort, without any Invitation at all, to the Regale which he is obliged to make according to the Custom. As for the Nobles, they are strictly forbidden marrying with Tradesmen, or Merchants Daughters, although they be never so rich: for in Leipsick, and other Capital Cities, some Merchants give their Daughters oftentimes thirty or forty Thousand Dollars, that if any Noble Person, for lucre of Mony, without regard to his Nobility, should marry such a one, he is degraded of his Title of Honour, & besides runs the hazard of being pelted to death by the Nobility and Gentry.

[Page] Amongst the Goths, the Swedes, and the Danes, they of the common sort use many Ceremonies in their Marriages too tedious to rehearse here, I shall therefore content my self to mention the chief of them. The Maids Parents, being sufficiently informed and satisfied about the Qualifications of her Suitor, her Father presents his Daughter to him, speaking these words; I give thee my Daughter for to honour thee, that she may be thy Wife, for to have the half of thy Bed, the Key of thy Doors, with the third part of thy Mony, and other Goods moveable and immoveable. At the day assigned, she is conducted to Church with many Torches, done about with Silk stuffs of several Colours. The Solemnity being over, she is handed Home by her Bridegroom: But before she may bed with him, she must go to the Stoves or hot Baths, many Maids going before her, and as many Married Women accompanying her; but before they come thither, they have made great Provision of Strong Beer, or of Wine in that place, for to refresh the Women in the Bath, lest being overcome with the Heat they should faint: wherefore they recruit their strength, with eating tosted Bread dipt in some of the foresaid Liquors, which are sweetned with Cinamon and Sugar.

[Page] When they come out of their Baths, they wear every one of them a Garland of Rue upon their Heads, as for the Maids they go to Supper with the Bride.

The Gentlemen usually marry Women of their Rank and Quality. As for Tradesmen and Mechanicks they commonly present the Bride with Swine, Sheep, or Cowes, but they present the Bridegroom with some Colt, Dog, Cat or Goose.

In Livonia. when a Maid is led to Church to be married, they crown her with a very high Crown of Silver guilded, and all the Women and Maids march before her, covered with long plated red Mantles, which reach from their Heads to their very Heels.

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CHAP. IV. Nuptial Rites and Ceremonies, used amongst Evangelical Protestants.

Having treated of the Ceremonies, which those Protestants of Luthers perswasion do use at their Marriages, it now remaineth that I should give some account of the Customs and Solemnities performed at the Weddings of Evangelical Protestants. And first I say that by Evangelical Protestants I mean the English, Dutch, Switzers, and many other People, which do not pin their faith upon the Church's or Popes Sleeve, but rejecting all vain Traditions and Novelties ground their belief upon the Pillar of Truth and Gospel verity.

As for the English their Ceremonies are so generally practised throughout this Kingdom and consequently so well known, that I will pass them over in silence, least I should seem to light a Candle at Noon-day; wherefore I come to the Dutch.

When the parties are all agreed, then they send for the Minister who betrotheth them one to the other, and then they give [Page] them drink, every one in their Glass asunder: He that fills the Drink, takes the two Glasses, and mingles the Wine of one with the other; he presents the Glass of the Bridegroom to the Bride, and that of the Bride to the Bridegroom: After they have drunk, the future Bridegroom doth present his betrothed Bride a Ring. But before they may marry it is requisite that the Minister make Publication of their Marriage three Sundays consecutively, lest there be amongst them any Impediment or other Engagement: After which publication they may lawfully marry. Then at the day appointed, the Bridegroom resorts to the Church with his Parents and Relations, the Bride also, with a Garland of Flowers upon the hinder part of her Head, is conducted thither by two Men, or two Young Bachelors, of her near Relations, many Maids, with married Women of Relations and Guests, following her thither. When she comes out of the Church, she is led to her Bridegrooms House by the same Persons. The Widdows, which marry again, may not wear a Garland upon their heads, but only a large Nosegay in their Bosoms; and are led to Church by two Widdows of their near Relations.

[Page] In Friezland, the men of that Country did not at all regard the Quality or Portion of their Women, but only their Handsomness and good Morality; so that many Gentlemen and rich Merchants did marry vertuous comely Women, although they were never so poor. But now adays the case is altered, for they not only regard their Quality and Descent, but also expect a competency of Wealth, answerable to their Estates. The Bride wearing a Crown upon her head, and accompanied with a long train of Maids, goes to Church where the solemnity of Marriage being celebrated, they return to her Fathers house, where they are feasted. The Guests seldom present the Bride with any Money, But the Brides and Bridegrooms Relations come very liberally to offer her their Presents, whereof the Bridegroom takes good notice.

The Feast being ended, the Musicians begin to play on several Instruments, and then every one dances in order. On the next day, all the Guests resort to the same place, and the new married Woman, presenting every one of them with a glass of the best Wine or of some other aromatical Liquor, she dismisses them with honour, thanking them for their Civility and [Page] kindness. And this she does, to the end that she may make it appear that she is now become a Houshold Wife.

In Hungary Bachellors never marry with Widdows, although never so rich, because they are perswaded that if any Bachellor marries one, who is not a Virgin, he shall never enjoy any Prosperity in this World: wherefore if any amongst them did discover that the Women, which they have married, have plaid any Legerdemain with others before Marriage, they would put them to a cruel Death.

As for the Lords of that Country they usually marry their Children very young; and many times as they ly in their Cradles: And this is done on purpose to entertain good correspondence and Friendship amongst Honourable Families; and when the Children have attained to ripeness of Age, they are obliged to consummate their Marriage, lest by their refusal they should procure their Parents implacable enmitie, the Sequels whereof might prove very dangerous and tragical.

In Scotland formerly, and in the days of Popish Idolatry, the Brides did lay down their Propira Feminea before their Lairds of the Mannour, who did shake their Hair-bags on the first night after the Solemnization [Page] of the Marriage: But since the Light of the Gospel did shine bright in that Kingdom, that Barbarous Custome hath been exploded; wherefore the Brides do not now pay their Marks in specie, but only by way of Exchange, the Bridegroom paying half a Mark to his Landlord for that Right, and that Right is now called, the Womens Marks.

The Irish in their Marriages, I mean those who are partakers of the English Civility, use the same decent Nuptial Ceremonies as the English do: But as for the Popish wild Irish, they are so Barbarous and Brutish that they do not deserve to be mentioned here.

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CHAP. V. The Rites and Nuptial Ceremonies of the Grecians.

BEfore the Grecians Marriages, the future Bride doth openly shew what she is able to bring to her future Bridegroom; the Bridegroom also is to declare the full extent of his Estate, and that is done in a spacious Room upon a Table, the Men sitting above the Women, as it were an Amphitheater. When the Bride receiveth the Presents from her Relations and other Friends, she is sitting in the middle of the Gyneconitide, or Chamber of Women, wearing a guilded Crown on her Head. All the Guests having drunk good store of Metheglin, and ballasted their Bellies with variety of Sweet-meats they betake themselves to walking; and come back to Supper about the Evening. Immediately after Supper, the new married Folks, without staying for the three publications of their Banes as we do, go to bed together: The next day morning the married Women come to visit them and [Page] to search their Sheet, to see whether, by good fortune, they can sind any marks of a lost Maiden-head; which if they find, they are extreamly jocund and Jovial, but, upon a Non inventus, they depart as mute as Fishes. As for the Bridegroom he fairly sends away his tried Bride to her Parents; unless the Turkish Magistrate, being a little greazed in the fist constrain him to keep her for better and for worse.

The Grecian Women, which bestow themselves upon Turks, Spaniards, French, or Italians, may be afterwards present at Divine Service: But they for some time are excommunicated, that is to say, they are for some time debarred from the Lords Table. Which kind of Excommunication Savoureth somewhat like the Spirit of Christianity, and is nothing of Kin to the Popes brutum fulmen, which dare at tacque the Sacred Heads of Crowned Sovereigns; neither is it like the Anathemas of some high flown Ecclesiasticks, who wear the Cross-Keys at their girdle, with one of which they many times, for frivolous causes, deliver the Souls of their fellow Christians to Satan, and with the other they commit their Bodies to Jails. Is this the Spirit of God, or the Spirit of Belial? But I must conclude this short Digression [Page] with this shorter Ejaculation: From the Spanish Don's fiery Inquesto's; from the bloody Anathemas of the Popes; and from the cruel Mercies of all Reverendos, Domine, libera nos.

The Walachians of Transylvania never marry any Women till they have got a snack with them before-hand, but they also put them away for very slight and trivial Causes.

Amongst the Moscovites, when a Father intends to bestow his Daughter in Marriage, all his care is to look for a Young Man to his own liking: Having found such a one, he presently proffers her to him as a Wife, with such a Sum of Mony for her Portion as he is able to give. If the Young Man accept of his proffer, then the said Father goes immediately to the Young Mans Parents, to whom he makes the same Offers: For in that Country, a Young Man may not see his future Bride until the very day of the Wedding; but his Mother, and other Women of her near Relations, go not only to visit her but also diligently to search her, to know whether or no she doth not hide some bodily Infirmity: The Daughters Mother doth the same towards the Young Man. The Wedding Day being come, [Page] before the Celebration of Marriage, the Bridegroom and the Bride, together with their Relations and the Parson of the Parish, make extraordinary great Cheer together; and paint their Noses with such lively Colours, that they scarce go to Church till they be passingly well dipt. As soon as they are come there the Priest, according to the Custom, demands some Loaves; which having received he desires the Bridegroom to take his Bride by the hand: then drawing nigh to the Bridegroom, he asks him whether he be willing to be joined in Marriage with that Woman? If he answereth to the Affirmative, then he again asks him, whether he will misuse or beat her? the Bridegroom answering Negatively. He doth then turn himself towards the Bride, & likewise asketh her if she be well contented to take that Man as her lawful Husband, to govern his Family, and to be faithful to him; she answering yea, he then crowns them both with two Garlands of Rue, and gives them the Nuptial Blessing. That being done he takes some Wine in a gilded wooden Cup, and, having wisht them all Prosperity and happiness, he drinks to them, they also pledge him in the same Cup: But after that the Bride hath drunk, then the Bridegroom, snatching [Page] the Cup from her hand, presently with all his Force flings it on the ground, & treads it under his feet till it be all broken in pieces; and then he prays to God that all those, who should go about to bring any division between them, may be likewise trodden upon and destroyed by his Infinite Power: He afterwards receives the Presents of all that are there.

So that in that Countrey no Man may have more than one Wife, but withal he keeps her no longer than she pleaseth him, for as soon as he begins to be displeased with her, he presently puts her away, for the least occasion in the World. They may also put away their Wives, if they prove barren: And they may, after that divorce, warry six weeks after.

It is lawful for Widdows to marry again the second time: But if they should marry three times, they are reputed very wanton and light heel'd House-wives.

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CHAP. VI. Nuptial Rites and Ceremonies of the Abissin's.

ALthough the Inhabitants of that Kingdom profess the Christian Religion, yet notwithstanding they may marry as many Women as they please, and that without the licence of their Negus, or High-Priest. The men of that Country are so far from receiving any Portion from their Wives, that on the contrary they must allow them a Dowry; which consists in a Sum of Money, which is deposited in some trusty hand of the Womens neerer Relations, who pays him the interest as long as the Woman lives: But in case she dieth without issue he then may command the Principal, but if she leave any Children, then the Interest goes towards their Maintenance: And coming to Maturity of Age, they divide the Principal amongst themselves. These are the Ceremonies which they observe in their Marriages. The Couple, that is to be married, are both sett before the Church Door, and three [Page] Priests, going three times round about them, sing many Hallelujahs; then, cutting two Tuffs of the new married Folks Hair, they put them in Wine sweetned with Honey. After that, they take up the Bridegrooms Tuff of Hair, which they put upon the Brides Head, on the very same place where her own hath been cut off; they also take up the Brides Tuff of Hair, which they likewise put upon the Head of the Bridegroom: And, having sprinckled them both with Holy Water, they receive the Communion and the Nuptial Blessing. The Priest doth, last of all, give them notice that they are both but one Flesh. This Ceremony being ended, they all return home, where there is a great Feast prepared, and they make very great cheer. But the new married Folks must not stir out of the Door, till a month after the Solemnization of their Marriage: After which time, the Bride must, when she goes out of the Doors, wear a black Vail upon her Face, which she ought not to lift up but at six months end after, unless she doth prove with Child.

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CHAP. VII. Nuptial Rites and Ceremonies of the Egyptians.

AMongst the Egyptians, when a Couple is to be married, the Friends of both Parties resort to the place where the wedding Feast is preparing; the Bridegroom goes to fetch his Bride to her Dwelling and handeth her to the foresaid place: Where being come, they refresh themselves with their Relations and Friends, drinking some Glasses of Wine, and distributing some dry sweet-Meats. This done the Bridegroom's Relations and Friends accompany him to Church, then they come again to the Bride and conduct her thither also, many Torches and Wax-Candles lighting them on the way they go along the Streets, singing Psalms and Hymns in their Coptick Language, and with little wooden Hammers knocking upon little Rulers of Ebony, which is instead of very Harmonious Musick amongst them; this Ceremony is performed immediately after Midnight.

Being come to Church they conduct [Page] the Bridegroom into the Chancel, where usually the Divine service is celebrated: As for the Bride, she is led to the Womens Apartment. Then the Priests, together with the people, begin some Prayers with Hymns which last a considerable time. The Divine service being ended the Priest, who is to celebrate the Solemnity of Marriage, coming out of the Vestry in his Robes, leads the Bridegroom into the middle of the Chancell, and, reading upon him three or four Prayers, doth sign him with the Sign of the Cross at the beginning and ending of every Prayer; This done, he causeth him to sit down on the Ground, his face turned towards the Heikel, and holding a Silver Cross upon his head behind him, he readeth many more Prayers.

Whilst that these things are done in the Chancell, the Sexton carrying a Seat out of the Chancell, places it at the Chancell-door; and speaking to the Bride, desires her to sit down on it, with a Woman of her nearer Relations. Then the Priests begin to say the Prayers, which they call the Prayers of the knot; which being ended, the Parson puts on the Bridegroom a long white Robe, like a Surplice, & girdeth him with a white Girdle above his Loins, and covereth his Head with a clean Napkin▪ [Page] He then taking him by the hand conducteth him out of the Chancell to his Bride, and making him sit down near her, he takes the Napkin from his Head, and bringing both their Heads together, covers them both with the same. Afterwards he anointeth them both with consecrated Oil, on their Foreheads and above their Wrists: Then, having joined both their Hands together, he reads to them aloud an Exhortation of the Duties, which they ought to render one another mutually. So endeth the Solemnity of their Marriages which they call the Coronation of the Bridals. Last of all, they begin Mass and the Bride and Bridegroom, having very devoutly, upon their Marrow bones, swallowed up their Breaden God, every one returns to the place of Feasting.

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CHAP. VIII. Nuptial Ceremonies amongst the Sabeans.

THe Sabeans, who are otherwise called the Christians of Saint John, are those People, which inhabit in the Confines of Persia towards the Kingdom of the Turks, They indeed retain some Principles of the Christian Religion, but as they border upon Turky and have great Commerce with the Jews, they also partake something of Judaism and Mahometanism. They may according to their Law marry two Wives. As for the Ceremonies of their Marriages they are but very short, being these. Both Parties being come to Church with their Friends and Relations, the Priest doth presently put the Bride upon her Oath before all the People, asking her whether she be a pure Virgin or no. And although she answer in the affirmative upon her Oath, yet notwithstanding, that must not serve the turn, but the Priests Wife, with other married Women, must search her: And in case they bring a Verdict conformable to what she hath deposed upon Oath, then the Priest baptizeth them both: Which being done, he bringeth them back to [Page] back; and having read some Prayers, the Solemnity is ended. Then the new married Folks are conducted to the Brides or the Bridegrooms house for to feast, according to the Custom of their Country.

The Priests as well as Lay-men, may also marry two Wives, and their Children, if they be but Sixteen years of age, succeed them in their Priestly Office; but in case they leave no Children, then their nearest Relation succeds them in their Places.

CHAP. IX. Nuptial Rites or Ceremonies of Marriage amongst the Christians of Colchis, Georgia, Circassia, and other adjacent Places

THe Christians of the States of Colchis, Georgia, Circassia, and other Places adjacent, as they little differ from the Sabeans in the Principles of Religion, so their Ceremonies are much alike, with this difference only: That if any of them intends to marry, if the Bishop or Curate of the Parish be absent, then they choose what [Page] Priest they please, and going with him into their own Cellars (which they repute as holy as their Churches) the Priest, holding two Crowns in his hand, sets one of them upon the Bridegrooms head, saying, Be thou crowned, N, our Servant of our great God, for, N, the Handmaid of the Lord. He sets also the other upon the Brides Head, saying likewise, Be thou crowned, N, the Handmaid of our great God, for, N, the Servant of the Lord. He stitches afterwards the Bridegrooms Coat and the Brides Gown together: He then takes a Glass of Wine, which he presenteth to the young Couple, who having drunk one to the other, their Gossips cut the Thred wherewith their Cloths were fastned; and this is all the Ceremonie of their Marriages.

As for the Circassians the Promise, which the Man and the Woman make to one another before some Witnesses, makes up all the formality of their Marriages. They never marry a second Wife, till their former be dead, or that they are otherwise constrained by some very great reason either of Barreness or Adultery.

THE Second Treatise.
Nuptial Rites or Ceremonies of Marriage, observed and practised amongst Mahometans.

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ALL the Turks may, according to their Law, have four lawful Wives, and as many Slaves as they are able to maintain: But as soon as their Women Slaves have brought them a Child, they obtain their Liberty: Wherefore they may bestow them away upon their Friends, but never sell them. Their Church-men also may marry many Women, excepting the Dervises, Monks, and other Religious Persons. It is also lawful amongst the Turks to put away their Wives, and to take them again, even to the fourth time. They may also marry not only Women of another Generation, but even of their ow n near Kindred, for they hold that by a double [Page] Tye, the Knot of Friendship and Love is the stronger.

When they intend to contract Marriage, the nearest Relations of the Man and of the Woman, gather themselves together for to agree amongst themselves about the Dowry which the Young Man must allow his future Bride: For the Parents never allow them any Portion at all; which thing is also practised amongst the Eastern Christians. This being done, the future Bridegroom sends to the Maids Father, or to her nearest Relations, the Sum agreed upon, to the end that a part of the said Sum be bestowed partly in Cloths, and partly upon Houshold Goods, according to the Quality of the Persons: As for the Remnant of the Mony, it must remain in the Hands of the future Bride, or else she deposites it into the Hand of one of her own Kindred, which she can best confide in: But her future Husband may never call her to any account for it. Now a day's the Parents of both Parties contribute towards the Expences of the Wedding, for they do think it more honourable to do so. As for the future Bridegroom, he maketh choice of one of his best Friends to invite his Guests, and to take care of all the preparation of his Wedding, and this man is called amongst them, Sagois.

[Page] The future Bride is to remain always within doors, her face covered with a Vail eight days before the Celebration of the Marriage, and none of her future Husbands Relations may see her. As for her Bridegroom he, taking his Sagois along with him, goes about to invite his Guests: The Guests send every one their Presents to the Bridegroom, the day before the Wedding. The day before the Celebration of the Marriage, the Bride is conducted by the Women to the Bath, two or three of them washing and rubbing all her Body, but especially her Parsley-Garden. They also take a certain Powder, called amongst them Elcana, whereby they cause her Hair, her Nails, the inward parts of her Hands and Feet, to become Red. This Bathing is reputed so Holy a Ceremony amongst them, that when the Bride goes to the Bath, she is accompanied with many Women of her Relations and Friends, who march two by two before her, every one of them holding a lighted Wax-Candle in their Hand.

The Wedding day being come, the Bridegroom sends Presents to the Cady, intreating him to draw an Instrument in writing concerning the Dowry, which by Agreement he ought to allow his Bride. This being done, his Sagois, accompanied with [Page] all the Guests go to the Brides House, many Drums, Trumpets, Fifes, and other Instruments, sounding before them. They all stay in the lower Court of the House, then the Brides Father coming down with her, delivers her into the custody of the Sagois, who presently mounts her on Horse-back, & conducts her to her Bridegrooms House. All the Relations and Friends of both Parties go afoot after her, the Carts and Horses, which carry her Goods and Houshold-stuff, following in the Rear: The Bride rides upon a Horse richly trapped, her face being covered with a thin Vail, and an Umbrello carried over their Head: She is also waited upon by her Servants, Chamber-maids and her Nurse, who going a foot at her side, shed tears for Joy, bewailing her Virginity, which is reduced to the last Extremity of being lost In the mean while, as she rides along, she with a little bowing of her Head salutes them, whom she meets in the Streets, Which thing no Woman dare do but upon her wedding Day. Being come to her Bridegrooms Door, the Sagois helps her down and her Bridegroom, waiting for her at the Door, conducts her to the Womens Appartment: And, after they have feasted plentifully, they begin to dance merrily. The ball being ended and the Guests retired [Page] to their respective Habitations the Sagois, taking the Bride by the Hand, leadeth her to the Nuptial Chamber and commits her to the custody of her Bridegrooms Eunuchs, until he himself comes. As soon as he is come, after their mutual Civil Salutations, he takes away her Veil, and all her Cloths, one after another, but when he comes to unbutton and take down her Linnen-Drawers, there will be a little fumbling and scuffling; for she will be sure to shew some little willing Resistance. The next day the Sagois comes to pay his Civilities, & makes them many drolling and frollick Questions. As soon as the new-married Wife is up she, taking some Women of her near Relations with her Chamber-maids, goes to the Bath and having sufficiently duckt her self, she returns to her Husbands House. These are the Ceremonies which are practised amongst them of the better Quality. It is a Common Custom, amongst the Turks, to marry three Sisters one after another, provided that they have married the Eldest at first, but if they began at the Youngest, they may never marry her Eldest Sister.

The Arabians did formerly contract Marriage onely for a time prefixt and limited, by mutual consent of both Parties▪ And to the end that they might make some [Page] shew of Matrimonial Convention, the Woman did present her Bridegroom with a Tent and a Dart for her Portion: But the limited time being expired, she fairly went her way looking for a fresher Customer. Which Custome proceeded from the Inconstancy and natural Looseness in both Sexes, which loved change and variety, in such a a manner, that a Woman was married in one place, brought forth in another, and bred up her Children in anothet, without remaining long in any place all her life time. The people of Arabia Felix had the Women common in every House: The Man that came home at night first, having sett a stick before the Door, went to Bed with the Woman: So that amongst them, they never reputed any to commit Adultery, but those who had to do with them of another Nation.

Now adays the Arabians take as many Wives as they please, but they never put them away as the Turks do. They also buy them with ready Money, but they are very strict in not coupling themselves with any Women, but them of their own Family or Alliance. As for their Formalities of Nuptial Ceremonies, they are the same with them of the Turks.

When the Persians go a wooing, if they [Page] intend to signalize themselves for their Fidelity and passion towards their Mistresses, they use to burn themselves in many places of their Bodies with some kind of Linnen, which they sett on fire, much like our Chyrurgeon's Causticks. And being so burnt, they come in this manner into their Mistresses Presence, who have a care of sending them some Linnen, or Pieces of Silk, to bind and heal their Wounds: And he that hath most Burnings on his Body, is most esteemed amongst the Ladies, and will sooner purchase their favourable acceptance. They may marry many Women; the Mechanicks may have seven and no more, but their Nobles may have as many as they are able to maintain.

When a Person of Quality is to marry, his Parents, Relations, and intimate Friends, without Invitation, resort to his House, wearing his Liveries: But if they be neither Relations, nor Familiar Friends, they may not then be permitted to wear them, they only appear in their best Equipage. The Bride comes out of her House riding on Horse-back, accompanied with the Women of her Relations and Friends gallantly mounted: Many Instruments of Musick playing before them, they go towards the the Bridegrooms House; who also coming [Page] to meet them with his Friends on Horseback, these two Squadrons joined together go back to the Brides House, where they begin the Ball. The Ball being well begun, two Gentlemen conduct the Bridegroom into the Brides Bed-chamber, two Gentlewomen lead the Bride to her Bridegroom and resign her into his Armes. About Midnight some old Women come down, and bring a Linnen which they present to the Bridegroom's Relations, if it appear blushing with the Beauty-Spots of a lost Maidenhead, then they hug it as a precious Relick, but in case it be, Facies miris modis pallida, then those same old Women bring away the Bride, and the Bridegroom divorceth himself from her before the whole Assembly; and having paid a very small Sum of Money to her Relations, they presently carry her away,

Amongst the people of Cambaya, Palandura and Maldivia, this particular Ceremony is observed in their Marriages. Both Parties being agreed, the future Bride delegates a Man of her Fathers near Relations, who hath power to represent her Person; this Man goes with the future Bridegroom before the Pandiar, or Priest, and taking the Bridegroom by the Hand, asks him whether he be willing to take his Kinfwoman, [Page] for his lawful Wife, upon such Terms and Conditions as have been propounded and concluded. The Priest asketh the Womans Kinsman the same Question, and both answering affirmatively, then the Priest proceeds to the other Solemnities of Marriage, the Relations of both Parties being present as witnesses of the Coniugal Knot. This Solemnity being ended they all resort to the Brides House where she waiting for them, receives them with all possible Civility and Demonstrations of Respect. Then they are regaled, many Instruments of Musick playing all the while they are feasting; many Persons come to compliment the new-married Couple, the Bride presenting them with Boxes of Betel. They also send to the Pandiar two Larrins, a Dish of the best Meat, with a Box of Betel. The new married Folks are obliged to send their Presents to their King and Queen, according to their Ability: But when the King himself is married, all his Subjects are bound to send him their Presents: Some send them Cloths, some Robes, others send him Turbans, and others again only Fruits and Flowers.

The Men of the fore-said Countries may have three lawful Wives at one time, if they be able to maintain them; and if they live [Page] in the same Island, he is bound by the law to divide amongst them the duty of Benevolence equally: But this Law is not always observed amongst them.

The Women never bring their Husbands any Portion at all, on the contrary the Husband must not only defray all the charges of the Wedding, and provide them all things necessary, but also settle upon them a Dowry, which in their own Language is called Rans. The Bachellours Marry when they please, but as for the Maids, their Parents bestow them upon the first that offereth any reasonable Terms, when they have attained to ten or twelve Years of Age. But in case their Fathers be dead, they then are accounted Orphans. and they may not marry till they be fifteen. When they present themselves before their Pandiar to be joined in Marriage, he makes a strict scrutiny whether the persons be any way related to one another in Blood, or in Milk. So that if he find that they used to call one another Brother or Sister, only for love sake, or else that they have sucked the same Nurse, it is a lawful Impediment to obstruct their Marriage, and their Priest dares proceed no further. The Husband puts away his Wife when he pleases, provided that the Woman give her consent to it, but if [Page] sh [...] refuses to agree to it, he notwithstanding may put her away, if he first pay her down her Dowry promised upon Marriage.

Through all the Island of Ceilan men may marry as many Women as they are able to maintain, and Maids are commonly married as soon as they come to be ten or eleven: Even as in the Islands of Cambaya, Palandura, and Maldivia.

The Mahometans of the Island of Javan may not have above four or five lawful Wives, but they may take as many Concubines as they can maintain. On their Wedding Day their Friends, Slaves, and other Menial Servants appear richly clad before the doors of the Bride and Bridegroom, where they have set up many Pikes adorned with Fringes of white and red Cotton: They also discharge several Volleys of Shot before the Door. After twelve of the Clock, the Bridegroom goes out to fetch his Bride with this following Pomp. First there are five or six men which carry five or six Basons hanging upon poles; these men are accompanied with as many men which, holding in their hands little Coco-sticks, beat upon the said Basons. After these follow four or five other men which carry long Drums, which they beat with Switches, or else with their Hands; After these follow [Page] a great Train of Men, which, having some Basons hung to their Necks beat upon them continually as they march along. These are followed with a great Number of Men which carry long Mattocks coloured with Red, and adorned with Peacock's and Horses Tails; Then come thirty or forty other Men armed with Darts, Swords, and Bucklers, in their Buff-coats; these armed Men march with great Pomp, and many times making a Halt fight amongst themselves, and sometimes dance for to divert the Spectators. These last are followed with other Drummers, immediately after these come a great company of Maids richly adorned, some of which carry Baskets full of Flowers, and rich Pictures, others little gilded Boxes, others carry little Coffers for to keep their Betel. The married Women, which follow the Maids, do not come empty, but march every one carrying all manner of Houshold-Stuff; all which things are Presents which they bring to the Bride. The Bridegroom comes out at last, riding on horseback and richly attired, having his Relations round about him well mounted on Palfreys. This Nuptial Pomp is shut up with all the Guests which are invited to the Wedding, all of them gallantly mounted. This Cavalcade being come near the Brides [Page] House, all the Drummers stand before he Door playing merrily; but as for those which carry their Swords, Bucklers and long Mattocks, they order themselves on both sides of the Street making a Lane till this pompous Train be past. The Bridegroom being come to the Brides door, she stands ready to wait upon him, who lighting off his Horse, she having a Vessel full of Sweet Water, and casting her self upon her knees doth wash his feet, which being done she presently rising up takes him by the hand, and conducts him into her own Appartment; where having staid a little while to pay their mutual Civilitys, the Bridegroom helping his Bride on her Palfrey, they return to the Bridegrooms Dwelling in the same Order as they came. Being come near the Bridegrooms House, they all alight, and the Bridegroom taking his Bride by the Hand goes in first, and all their Guests following them, they remain with them three days feasting, dancing, and making extraordinary great Cheer. The Inhabitants of the Island of Moluccos, retain yet some principles of Idolatry, with the Mahometanism which the Persians and Arabians have brought in amongst them. Those People may have as many Wives as they are handsomely able to maintain, but withal [Page] they are so exceeding jealous of them, that they can in no wise suffer that any Man should so much as cast an Eye upon them. They are notwithstanding very Liquorish, and let their Husbands use never so great Precaution, yet they will be sure to entertain their Gallants and Paramours, and get a Lick of the Horse-Radish with them in a corner. When any Man amongst them desires to marry, he may never go to visit his Mistress, till the Parents of both Parties are agreed amongst themselves, but after the said Agreement then he is introduced into her presence, and she is obliged to accept of him, although she never saw his Face before.

The people of Barbary, but those especially of the better sort, marry many Wives also; but they do not buy them. They only allow them Dowries answerable to their Quality, as the Ancient Romans did use to do. They retain yet some old Customs and Ceremonies which the Goths and Vandals have left amongst them. They are also so extreamly Jealous of their Wives that they will, by no means, allow them to appea [...] before their own Fathers without their Faces be covered with a Vail

The Moors of the Kingdom of Moroc [...] marry many lawful Wives, besides th [Page] Concubines allowed them by their Alcoran. Some few days before the Marriage the Bridegroom goes to the Caccis, and having with him the Relations of both Parties as witnesses, they send for a Notary who, having received his Instructions concerning the Dowry, which the said Bridegroom is to give to his future Bride, the Notary draws a publick Instrument of it, which is, in their own Language, called Codaca; So that although they may divorce their Wives afterwards, they may not put them away till they have paid them the full Sum mentioned in the Contract of Marriage. They are very joviall at their weddings, and so extraordinarily profuse, that it is a common Proverb amongst them, That the Christians spend most in Suits at Law, the Jews in their Passovers, and the Moors at their Weddings.

On the Wedding Day the Bride, being gallantly mounted upon a Mule richly trapped and adorned, and having a Canopy of Turky Carpets over her Head, with a thin Vail over her Face; She is led in Pomp about Town, & immediately after her follow many Mules carrying her Furniture and other Presents, which her Friends have bestowed upon her. After the Mules come all the Men and the Women [Page] of her Friends and Relations; but the Women, as they march along, make hideous Outcries which, together with their Moorish double Drums, make a horrible Noise. After this Cavalcade, they betake themselves to their Dinner, which being ended they go to the Market place; and if the Bridegroom be a Military Person, then all his Friends appear there on Horseback playing and exercising themselves with their Lances, and Javelins, on purpose for to divert the whole Assembly; after which Recreation every one withdraws to their respective Habitations.

But amongst Persons of eminent Quality, the Bride is mounted upon a Camel sumptuously fett out, and charged with a little Turret (called amongst them Gaiola) her Head covered with a thin Taffeta, so thin, that although none can see her Face, yet she easily can see all them that are about her. She is accompanied with many Gentlewomen and Knights which ride along with her, and after the Cavalcade she is again conducted to her Fathers House, and from thence to her Bridegrooms Habitation; where, the Feast being sumptuously prepared, all the Assembly resort to feast, to sing and to dance. After which Jollities the Bridegroom begins a new Courant with [Page] Bride, but in case he find that she hath been vers'd in it before, and her case so plain and open, that no Tokens of Virginity appear, then he presently surrenders her to her Parents, who have her away with all her Furniture and Houshold-Stuff; But if, on the contrary, her Clothes appear dyed with the Rose and Lilly, then he hugs her as a pure Virgin, and her Linnen Drawers are carried in Triumph thorough all the City, as an honourable Testimony of the unquestionable Virginity of his new tried Bride. The Jews themselves, who live in those Countries, observe the same Custom.

They of the Kingdom of Fez practise this particular Custom at their Marriages, that as soon as a Father hath promised his Daughter in Marriage, then the Parents of both Parties gather themselves in some assigned place; going asterwards to the Mosque with two Notaries, who write down the Conditions of the Contract. This being done, and the Parties being fully agreed, then the Bridegroom invi [...]es to Dinner them, which have accompanied him and have been witnesses of the Contract: The Brides Father doth likewise feast his own Relations. When the Bridegroom intends to bring his Bride, he then sends a [Page] Litter covered all over with rich Silks; she is carried in it to the publick Place of the city with all her own and her Bridegrooms kindred together with many Flambeau's, Fifes, Drums and Trumpets; the Bridegrooms Friends goe before the Bride with their Flambeaus, and his Fathers Familiars follow after her. As soon as they are come to that publick place, then the Bridegroom comes to salute her Father and Relations; which Duty of Civility being performed, he then, without any more Ceremony, betakes himself to his own Habitation, waiting there for his Bride, who as soon as she is come thither, her Father and nearest Relations accompany her even to her Nuptial Chamber Door, and resign her into the Hands of her Bridegroom: who as she comes into the Chamber sets his Foot upon one of hers, and having shut the Door upon themselves, every one withdraw, some few Women only excepted which, remaining at their Doors till the consummation of Marriage, come down afterwards bringing the lower Sheet all bedewed with the Tokens of her lost Virginity. But in case no such Tokens appear, then she is fairly dismist, as a Crackt piece and surrendred to her Parents: As for the Guests they go their ways with a [Page] Peck full of trouble, and their Bellies full of Vacuum.

Those People use to make three severall Feasts at the Solemnity of their Marriages: The first is made on the day of the Wedding; the Second is made the next day after, but this is only for the Women: And the Third is prepared on the Seventh day after the Celebration of Marriage, and this chiefly concerns the Brides Relations and intimate Friends, who are all feasted that Day. Her Father sends his Son in Law some Sweet-Meats and some whole Muttons on that day for a Present. But as soon as the Bridegroom goes out of Doors, which happens ordinarily but at seven days end, he then goes forthwith to buy some Fishes, and bringing them Home, he delivers them into the hands of his Mother, or of some other Woman, who immediately fling them all on the young married Womans feet, as a fortunate Emblem of her future fruitfulness.

A Month after the Marriage the new married Womans best Friends send her great Pots full of Bread fried in Oil, and whole Muttons ready rosted; and the new married Man, to retaliate their kindness, invites them to a Feast.

If a Widdow be married again, the nuptial Pomp is not so magnificent, the Guests [Page] must then be contented with rost Mutton, Beef, and some boiled H [...]ns: They also sett before them a great wooden Platter charged with Porringers of Broth. As for the poorer sort of people they sett before their Guests a great wooden Charger of Broth thickned with Bread grated very small, with thick Gobbets of Beef, but they make use of no Spoons, every one helps himself with his Hands.

The Inhabitants of the Kingdoms of Tunis and Algier, marry but very few Women, for they are bound by their Religion not only to divide the duty of Benevolence equally amongst them, but also to allow every one of them a Chamber private to themselves. The Husband doth also assign his Wife a Dowry, and when the Man and the future Brides Relations are agreed about it, then the Bridegroom sends her some Boxes of Sweet-Meats. On the Wedding Day the Bridegroom, Bride, their Relations and Friends, feast together in the Bridegrooms House: They do not sit down upon Seats as we do, at Table, but lay along upon Turkey Carpets; after the Feast they begin to danceafter the Moorish Fashion: then the Bride mounts upon a Theater, erected for that purpose, and there makes a shew of her Bravery, having sometimes her face all [Page] shining with Diamonds and other precious Stones. About the Evening the Bride is conducted to her Nuptial Bed, many Drums and Trumpets sounding before her; then her Bridegroom follows, who shutting the Door after him doth consummate the Marriage; All the Women waiting at the Chamber Door for the Brides Linnen-Drawers, which the Bridegroom brings them, and having fastned them upon a Pole they carry them in great Triumph dancing and making great cheer. The Woman, after her Marriage, keeps seven days within Doors, but as for the Man, he must go to bath himself, which thing they ought always to do after Coition.

The Moors of Aegypt have many Wives which they keep in one Seraglio, as so many Nuns in a Nunnery, every one enjoying her private Room. But as for the Morisques or Granadins, expelled out of Spain, called Moros Francos, they have but one. When the Moors of Egypt are passionately affected towards any Woman, they use to testify their zealous Passion by slitting their Skin in several parts of their Bodies, and so present themselves before their beloved Object. Is she, by good fortune, chance to kiss her Hand at the sight of them, they then presently conclude she hath hung out her white [Page] Flag, wherefore they forbear attempting any more Assaults at the Breach, looking upon the place a s good as surrendred already.

The Negroes of Jaloffa and Senega marry many Women, but they have more respect for them that are better descended. They are so civil towards their Women, that they never overcharge their Ship, but ha ving given them their sufficient Cargo, never load them again till they be safe ly arrived to the Harbour, which we call, Safe Delivery.

The Inhabitants of Tartaria Deserta, which are Subjects of the great Duke of Moscovy, may have as many Wives as they can get, and he that hath most of that kind of Cattel, is reputed amongst them the most honourable Man, and the most eminent Vir gregis.

The Tartars of Chersonesus, otherwise called little Tartars, may marry as many Women as their Law allowes them: They most an end buy them of the Perigorts, or Circassians. They maintain them splendidly and are very courteous to them, and especially to them that have brought them any Children. They little regard Beauty or Riches in their Women, but only their Fidelity and good Manners: If they perceive [Page] their Slaves to be duely moralized, they do not disdain to take them as their Wives. From thence it comes to pass that their Wives are always very faithful and dutiful, cautious of giving their Husbands any Offence, living with them with singular comfort and Concord. If any amongst them, having promised Marriage to a Woman, chance to fall sick unto Death, he then sends for his betrothed Bride, who is married with him by his Bed-side. He also allows her a competent Dowry, with all Houshold stuff fit for House-keeping, and this they do upon the prospect of a future Life, thinking they shall enjoy one another in the World to come.

THE Third Treatise.
Of Nuptial Rites, or Ceremonies, of Marriages practised amongst Idolaters and Pagans.

[Page]

THE Indians are either Pagans, Mahometans, or Christians; but as they observe the Ceremonies of Marriage prescribed by the Religion which they profess, we will treat in this following Treatise only of those which remain, even to this Day, plunged in the woful Labyrinth of blind Idolatry and Paganism.

All the Indians in generall, whether they be Christians or Idolaters, make exceeding merry at their Weddings, passing many Day's and Nights in feasting, singing and dancing. As soon as the Instruments of Musick begin to play, they dance round with little painted switches in their hands. But as for the Pagans, they are so exceedingly Barbarous, [Page] that they bind their Women by promise upon Marriage, that in case they overlive them, they shall cast themselves headlong into their Funeral Pile, there to be consumed to Ashes.

The Inhabitants of the Kingdom of Kunkam and Ballagatt contract Marriage, when they are hardly come to the seventh Year of their Age, but they use not to consummate it, till they be eighteen. They are very cautious of marrying below their Rank and Quality, but their Women bring them little store of Riches; For, besides a few Jewels of inconsiderable value, they bring them their dainty Marigold, but not a Dram of Silver nor Gold.

The People of the Kingdom of Bisnagar marry as many Women as they please, but in case any of their Women be not pleased with their Husbands, for want of their sufficient Dose, or any other reason, they then go to their King and presenting him with a piece of Gold, he laying his Sword upon their Right Shoulder sets them at Liberty; so that being divorced in that manner, they may lawfully seek to mend their Quarters.

There be some in that Kingdom, which consecrate their Daughters Virginity to a certain Idol, so that as soon as they have [Page] attained to the tenth Year of their Age, they are conducted with great Pomp, by their Parents, to the Temple, and being come there the young Damsells Mother, with some other grave Matrons, go up with her to a Turret, where is erected a Statue about a Cubit high: They kneel down before it and perform their Idolatrous Devotions. After which the young Maid must embrace the said Statue three times; which being done, she must remain, all her life time, as pure a Vestal Virgin as ever served seven years Apprenticeship in our Whet-Stone Park.

Those of Canara observe the same Nuptial Ceremonies as those of Kunkan and Ballagatt.

The Inhabitants of Malabar, are divided into three Ranks viz into Bramins, Naires and Moucois: The Race of the Bramins is the most eminent and honourable amongst them; They also differ in their manner of Living, and enjoy considerable Prerogatives above the rest. They may marry two Wives, but never any which be inferiour to them in Quality: They marry very young when they are yet but seven or eight years of Age.

As for their Naires which are the Country-peasants they may not match with any [Page] Women superiour to their Order and Quality, neither is it lawful for them to marry more than one Woman at one time; But as for their Women, the case is altered, for they may, if they please, enjoy three Husbands at once, all which are bound to contribute equally towards her and her Childrens maintenance. The first that comes in, leaving his Arms at the Door, enjoys her company, and they that come in after, are so civil as to withdraw and not to go in to her, untill the Coast be clear: So that there happens no Debate nor Quarrel, but they live amicably, every one of them Husbands having his Finger in her Pye Successively.

The Maids of Malabar are naturally very wanton and leacherous; wherefore the Noblemen of that Country are very careful to marry their Daughters betimes, lest for want of sufficient Toying and Riggling they should unhappily spring a leak: So that very few remain unmarried after fourteen Years of Age. But if they prove so unfortunate as to keep their Maidenheads after that time, then they may bewail their Virginity all the Days of their Life, for young Men look upon them to as be useless as old Almanacks.

They are very Jovial at their Weddings: [Page] as soon as both Parties are agreed, they go to their Pagodes Temple, where they use to say some Prayers before their Priests. Fifteen days before the Wedding the Relations of both Parties conduct the future Bride every Day to the Bridegrooms house for several Days together; Who every one of those times treating them, conducts her back to her Parents House. All this is done with great Magnificence (according to the Abilities of the Parties) great store of that Countrey-Musicians attending, during this whole Nuptial Festival. When the time of consummating the Marriage is come, the Virginity of the Bride is offered up to an Idol, or Pagode, (seated on a brazen Throne, of an horrid frightful Form,) which hath a sharp Bodkin of Gold or Silver fastned to his Privy-parts: On this the Bride is forcibly sett, and it, by reason of its sharpness, forceth great store of Blood to come. And if, though by her Husband, she proves with Child the first Year, they believe this Idol got it, and more highly esteem it: But, by reason of the Pain, the Priests, by enjoying them first, quit them from this Ceremony; and without one of these two none are marryed. Their Samoryn's, or Kings, themselves not being exempted: Who, on this account, order [Page] heir Sisters Children to succeed, as being more certainly of the Blood Royal. In these Countreys they change their Wives as often as they please, nor seem the Women displeased at it, Poligamy is so tolerable or rather acceptable: And as the Men are allowed many Wives, so one Woman is allowed many Husbands, and the Issue bequeathed as she nominates, The World affords not more obscene lustful Persons than the Naire's, using Provocatives to stir up the decaying heat of Nature: And as our European Gallants, by making the Husbands drunk, sometimes attain their amorous ends, so these Naire's act their Amours by the help of a certain herb, or Drug, called Deutroa (which infused, or otherwise taken, infatuates the Intellect,) the Poor Cuckolds being in such a Pickle as not to be sensible, though he sees before his Eyes another plowing with his H [...]ifer.

In Nepapata (a Town upon the River Nega) the manner of their Marriages is extraordinary. For many times the Priest with a Cow, and the Man and Woman, go together to the Water-side, where the Bramyn first mutters a short Prayer, and then, linking their Hands about the Cows Tail, pours upon them all his hallowed Oil; and lastly forces the Beast into the River, [Page] whereinto she goes willingly so far as till they be up to the middle in Water: Neither returns she, nor do they disunite, till the Waves advise them. Being come on shore they loose their hands; and hold that mysterious Tye forcible and sacred ever after.

In Cochin-China Polygamy is forbidden; the Women are modest, and differ not in Apparell; all of them wearing over them a Veil of White Linnen: and indeed they are the civillest of all the Idolaters of those Countries, which, to say the truth, have no Wives, all Women being common amongst them.

They of the Kingdom of Bengala marry as many Women as they can maintain, but they are extreamly Jealous of them, wherefore they keep them as close as our Euclio's do their Precious Jewels.

The Inhabitants of Pegu have extraordinary Manners. These People, neglecting the natural use of Women, were formerly much addicted to the detestable Abominations of Sodom; wherefore, to obviate this Mischief, one of their Queens was constrained to enact a Law that whosoever should be Legally convicted of that Crime, he should be burned alive. She also ordained that Women should go with naked Neck and Breasts, [Page] to the end that, exposing a Samplar of their Wares, they might the sooner allure Customers. The Men of that Country are very shy in their matching, and very fearful lest they should light upon a Crack-piece; for, to say the Truth, their Maids are generally all Fire and Toe. They are scarce out of the Shell but their quick Oister will be gaping, wherefore their Mothers, knowing by Experience the common frailty of their Sex, (which is never found sure till it be sure bound,) When their Daughters are yet young, they use to stitch their lower Lips, leaving nothing but a small Orifice just fit to evacuate their natural Effluvium's. On the day of their Marriage their Mothers unstitch them in their Bridegrooms Presence, and rubbing them with some kind of Oil, they are well enough disposed to play at Putt, or else at Ombre. The Nobles, and other Persons of Gentile Extraction, repute it a disgrace to beat upon their Brides Anvils the first night of their Wedding: They hire some of their Friends for that Drudgery. Nay their King is so magnificent, that he will liberally reward the Valiant Champion, who hath couragiously demeaned himself in the first Onset, and planted his Artillery in his Queens Breach.

The People of the Kingdom of Siam [Page] may marry as many Women as they please. They commonly buy them of their Parents; they may also send them packing at their pleasure but they must maintain the Children which they have had by them. The Womens Parents may also recal their Daughters to their own Houses, provided they pay back again the Mony which they have received of their Husbands. They that are Idolaters have the same Customs as those of the Kingdom of Pegu, but those amongst them, which profess the Mahometan principles, are better civilized and moralized.

The Chinese bestow their Children in Marriage when they are very young, and their Fathers contract them oftentimes when they are yet in their Mothers Womb. When any of them is to marry he appoints his future Bride such a Dowry as he is able to give her; the Day appointed for the Wedding being come, the Brides Father makes a sumptuous Feast, to which all his Son-in-Law's Parents and Friends are invited: The Day following, the Bridegrooms Father doth do the same towards his Daughter-in-Law's Relations. This Feast being ended the Husband, bringing the foresaid Dowry before the whole Assembly, delivereth it to his Bride, who presently surrenders [Page] it into the hand of her Father or Mother; which thing is done for to make them a part of amends for the Charges, they have been at in her bringing up and Education, and, for this reason, they that have most Daughters are commonly the wealthiest amongst them. For the Parents make use of their Daughters Dowry, and improve it not only for their own profit, but also for the good of their Daughters, because after their decease all the Dowry, together with the Improvement, returns to their Daughters, for their and their Childrens Maintenance.

The Chinese may have as many Women as they please, but their first Love is lookt upon as the only lawful Wife, the others being reputed amongst them no better than Paramours or Concubines. Wherefore they always live with the first, but as for the others, they maintain them in several other Places, and in case they be Merchants, they send them as Factors into their several places of Traffick. They are forbidden by their Law to marry within any degree of Consanguinity, and they are so strict as not to marry any Woman who beareth the same Sirname as themselves, although she were of no Kin at all. They esteem Beauty in Women far above their Extraction, and [Page] an handsome Woman, although like a Mushrom born upon a Dunghil, is a dainty Dish for their palates. As for the common sort of People amongst them, they buy their Wives with ready Money, and sell them again as soon as their Appetite longs for Variety.

Mendoza doth write that, in some Provinces next adjacent to Tartary, the Viceroys do prefix a certain limited time, within which both Men and Maids are obliged to marry, or else to confine themselves within the Walls of a Cloyster. When the said prefixt time is come, all that desire to marry and to be married, come to a certain City appointed to them by their Governours for that purpose. As soon as they are come thither they present themselves before twelve Commissioners elected by their King: These Commissioners are commonly grave and the most ancient persons of the said City: They take the Names and Sirnames of all Bachellors and Maids which come before them; they enquire also into their Qualities, and the Dowries which the Men are able to bestow upon their Women: This being done, they examine their Catalogue and finding more Men than Women, or more Women than Men, they cause them to draw Lots, and by this [Page] means the supernumerary ones are cast back till the following Year. Six of them twelve Commissioners divide the Men into three Companies: Setting aside the Rich in the first, the Middle sort of them, in the second, and the Poorest in the third. Whilst that these six are making this Separation amongst the Men, the other six are busy in making also a distinction amongst the Women, distributing them into three Bands: In the First they place them that are eminently Handsome; In the Second, them that are indifferently Comely; And in the Third, the Deformed and Hard-favoured by Nature. This Division being made, they bestow the Fairest upon the Rich men who, in regard of that, pay a certain Sum of Money limited by the Judges; they then give the less Handsome to them of the Middle ability, without paying any thing at all. As for the Hard-favoured they become the portion of the Poorest sort of Men, but withal they receive some Money with them: for the Money which the Rich men have paid and deposited in the Judges Hands, is distributed equally amongst them. The Men being thus coupled with the Women, they resort to some publick Houses, appointed by the King in every City for that purpose, which Houses are furnished with Beds, [Page] and all things necessary for the new married Folks, who remain there fifty days feasting, dancing and making exceeding merry. After which time all the Men, instead of Cloak-bags, carrying provision for their Cod-piece, betake themselves to their respective Habitations.

The Nobles of that Country are not obliged to observe the Laws aforesaid, but they marry when and whom they please.

The People of Javan marry usually but one Woman, but they send her packing when they list, and marry another. As for their Women they may not leave their Husbands and take others, unless they bestow themselves upon some great Lord, who is willing to accept of them.

The Tartars, which are Idolaters, have many Wives which, notwithstanding their Number, live amongst themselves peaceably. The First is always accounted the most honourable, and her Children are preferred before any others. If a Father chances to dye, his Son may marry all the Women he leaves behind him, his own Mother and Sisters only excepted. They commonly marry their Sisters-in-Law after their Brothers Decease, and they are very Jovial at every one of their Weddings.

The Inhabitants of the large Province of [Page] Tanguth, together with those of the Kingdom of Catay, may have as many Women as they are able to maintain. These People are great admirers of Beauty, and if they be never so rich they will purchase a handsome Woman at any rate, although she be of never so mean Parentage. They have sometimes to the Number of thirty Wives, more or less according to their Abilities, but the first is always the most regarded. If any of their Women be morose, or troubled with any other intolerable Qualities, they presently pack her away to learn better Manners: they marry their Kinswomen even as the Tartars do, their own Mothers and Sisters onely excepted.

The People of Caindu have extraordinary Customs amongst themselves: On their Wedding Day they will invite all sorts of Strangers which sojourn amongst them, and leave them, without any disturbance, to solace themselves with their Brides. And their Women like the Sport so well, that they set a Token at their Doors, and never take it down till they are all departed, and then their sottish Cuckolds may have free Access.

They of Cascar are as much given to that silly piece of Hospitality towards Strangers as those of Caindu, for they are never jealous, if Strangers partake never so largely [Page] of their Pyes; so that they may have a Finger in it in due season. If a man be absent from his Habitation twenty days the Woman may marry another Husband: The Men may likewise do so in their Wives Absence.

The Canarins, which inhabit the Island of Goa, worship a certain Idol like a Woman all naked: When they have a mind to bestow their Daughters in Marriage, upon any Man, the Parents use to conduct their Daughters towards that Idol, where they perform their antick Devotions, after which they are bestowed upon them that promise the most. As for their Nuptial Rites and Ceremonies of Marriage, we have made mention of them before, when we treated of the Solemnities of the Marriages used amongst the Christians of the City of Goa.

The Negroes of Africa, Inhabitants of the Kingdom of Serroliana have, in every Town and City, a large House, like a Nunnery, appointed for young Maids to dwell in together, and to be instructed in all manner of Civil Deportment, and good Housewifery. They have there several grave Matrons, with a Venerable old Man, who is President over all, that have a special care of these Probationers. At the Years end these young Maids come out together, [Page] as fine as their Hands can make them, and coming to the most publick Place of the City they dance there at the Sound of several Sorts of Instruments. Their Parents are there present, and the young Bachellors resort thither as to a Fair; every one making his choice of her he liketh best, but he must pay something to her Father before he can have her away. He must also bestow some Gratuity upon the President of the said Place, in consideration of his Care for her Entertainment and Education: Which being done, without any more Complements, every one carrieth away his own Bride to his Lodging, where they make very merry.

In the Kingdom of Guinney, as soon as their Sons are come to Maturity of Age, the Parents go a Wooing for them and bring them Women, which their Children are obliged to accept of, although they never saw their Faces before. The Maids Parents give her fourteen ounces of Gold for her Portion; And this Custom is so strictly observed amongst them, that even their petty Kings allow no larger Portion to their own Daughters, excepting only that they allow them some Slaves to wait upon them Every Maid, that is to be married amongst them, must take her Oath that she shall be [Page] dutiful to her future Husband, and that she shall never violate her Conjugal Fidelity: As for the Men they never use to require any such Oath from them.

Moreover if, after their Marriage, the Man hath been so thrifty a Husband as to have got Wealth sufficient for the maintenance of another Wife, he may take another, provided that the former give her Consent to it. He must also allow her a certain weight of Gold for her Good will: So that he may afterwards marry another, but she is reputed rather as his Concubine, than as his lawful Wife; and when this second Wife begins to grow in Years, he casts her off, as an Almanack out of Date, and marries another. He notwithstanding is obliged to keep always the First, who is the only Mistress, having the Command over all his Family.

The People of the Empire of Monomotapa in the lower Ethiopia, marry as many Wives as they can maintain, but the former is always lookt upon as the most Honourable, and her Children only may challenge every one a part of their Parents Inheritance: As for the other Women they are bound to wait upon her and observe her Directions and Commands. No man may marry a Maid until she be capable of Conception: [Page] Wherefore as soon as the Parents perceive any such Marks by their Daughters, they make very merry in their Families. The Maids go naked till almost that time, but when they are to marry, they then put on thin Cloths made of fine Cotton; and afterwards, when they have bore any Children, they cover their Breasts with a Piece of Woollen Cloth.

The Inhabitants of the Island of Zocotora in Africa marry as many Women as they please, and when they have their Belly-full of them, they drive them to the Market, where they truck them for others, as we do our Cattel.

The People of Canada may, if they please, take many Wives, they notwithstanding are well contented with one only.

As for them of Samaya they have many, not so much for to satiate their appetite, as for to increase their Grandeur; for they repute it honourable to have many Friends, Allies and Children. The Fathers bestow nothing upon their Daughters: on the contrary he that will have any of them, must make some Presents to the Maids Parents, according to her Quality and Beauty. They make great Solemnities at their Weddings: For besides Feasting, Balling and Dancing, they make Nuptial Harangues & Epithalamiums, [Page] if any married Woman be surprised in Adultery, both she and her Ruffian are in great Jeopardy of their Lives. But as for their Maids, they are very favourable towards them; for they repute their Instruments never the more jarring, or the less Musical, although their jolly Gallants have plaid never so many Courants upon their Fiddles before Marriage.

Amongst the People of Florida no man is permitted to marry above one Woman, their Kings and Nobles only excepted; who may have two or three Wives, but upon this condition, that the First shall be always esteemed as the Lady-paramount amongst the other, and that her Children alone shall challenge their Parents Honours and Inheritances. Their Women are very thrifty Houswives, very careful to improve every thing to the best advantage of their Families, and never use to lie with their Husbands after Conception.

As for the Islanders of Cuba, before their Island was depopulated, they married many Women, but they did use to leave their Wives at pleasure, the Women also using the same Liberty. Their Caciques marry as many Women as they list, but they have this Custom altogether extraordinary, which is, that when any of them is married, all [Page] the Men that are invited to this Wedding, are obliged to try their Manhoods upon the Bride▪ This Custom is observed not only amongst the common Sort of People, but also amongst them of the best Quality.

The People of Mexico, before they had embraced the Christian Faith, were married in this manner. The Bridegroom and Bride went together to their Idol Temple, and presented themselves before the Priest who, taking them both by the hand, did desire them to let him know their pleasure; which having known, he presently took a Corner of the Vail, wherewith the Brides Head was covered, and fastned it to the Corner of the Bridegrooms Gown; and being so bound together conducted them to the Brides House, where a great Fire was made ready; & being come near that Fire, the said Priest led them seven times about it. After which Ceremony the Marriage was ended, and then they betook themselves to Feasting.

The Inhabitants of Civola, otherwise called New Granada, never marry but one Woman at once, but they take the liberty to send her away at pleasure, and marry another; the Women also enjoy the same Priviledge, for in case their Husbands be not so liberal and kind-hearted, as to spare from their own Bellies to put it into theirs, then all the Fat is in the [Page] Fire, & they will presently seek better Masters.

The People of Cumana use to send their young Daughters to their Piaces, or Priests, to be instructed by them, and to learn their Duty towards their future Husbands. The Nobles of that Country take as many Wives as they please, & are so extraordinary Courteous towards Strangers that they, standing at their Doors, will invite Passengers, whom they not only delight to regale at their Tables, but will bestow their fairest Women upon them also to solace them at Night.

They of Paria, may also have many Wives, but the First married is always the Chief among them. They of the meanest Sort have commonly three or four, but when they begin to be old, they turn them off, and take others more young: The Priests afterwards instruct them, according to the customs of those of Cumana.

The Inhabitants of Caribe marry after the same fashion, only, the day of the Marriage and some days after, they bring out the new married Bride into the Woods with a mighty Noise, driving and killing all they meet.

The Topinanboes, Inhabitants of Brasil, in the South parts of America, when they marry, respect only the first degree of Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Son and Daughter; for there the Uncle may freely marry his own [Page] Niece. They take so many Wives as they please, and the more they have, the more valiant and vigorous are they esteemed. Though they have one they chiefly love, yet the rest are not at all Jealous, or at least discover it not, for they labour in their Imployments, and live together in Peace. As for Ceremonies, they have none, save that he who comes to see a Maid, or other Woman, desires her of her Father, or nearest Relation and (after having discovered their Suit, and got their Consent) takes her along with him as his Wife. It's ordinary amongst them, chiefly those of Quality, to promise their Daughters in Marriage, when they are very young; and afterwards give them to those, to whom they are promised, who take them according to the Custom of the Country. The Husband may repudiate, and put away, his Wife at pleasure, when she offends him: And likewise when the Wife designs to part from her Husband she tells him (in their Tongue) I'll have no more to do with thee, I'll go search for another. The Husband (without troubling himself) answers, Escoain, go where thou wilt. The Woman may give her self immediately to another Man, having the same Priviledge to put away her second Husband.

The Inhabitants of Peru, before they become Catholick, have many Wives, but of [Page] those there is but one whom they reckon the Lawful Wife. The Bridegroom on the day of Marriage went to her House and, bringing her to his own Habitation, he did put on her Feet some kind of open Shoes made with a sort of Rushes, which be called, in their own Language, Ottoya; which being done, she was honoured as the Mistriss-paramount, all the other Women Concubines obeying and serving her, and the Issue of her Body was onely capable of Inheritance.

The Itatins and Varack's, inhabiting the Country of Sancta Cruz, did likewise marry as many Women as they could maintain: An Uncle doth oftentimes marry his own Neece. When their Daughters are yet but twelve Months old, their Parents look for Husbands for them, they also choose him that is next of Kin in the second degree. The Parents having thus made choice of a Husband for their Daughter, they go to his Habitation, presenting him with a Bow and Arrows, and a Mattock▪ as Pledges of the Matrimonial Contract; If the said Person accepted of them, he is looket upon as the Son-in-law, and is presently conducted to his Father-in-Laws house, there to remain and manage the businesses of his Family, until his future Bride hath at attained to Maturity of Age. But in case that a young Man hath any Affection for a Maid [Page] which never was offered to him, he then makes his application to her Parents, and presenteth them with a bundle of Sticks: If they receive it, it is an evident token that they are well pleased with his motion, and presently they admit him into their own House. As soon as a Woman is married amongst them, her first care is to make two winding Sheets, one for her Husband and the other for her self: A commendable Example for all Christians to follow; the remembrance of our Mortality being a prevalent Antidote against all pestilential Diseases of the Soul.

In Guiana otherwise called Nova Andalusia, the common Sort of People must be contented with one Dish, but as for their Nobles they may enjoy Variety of Women; they have the same Marriage-Ceremonies, as those of Peru. But, as England is esteemed the Paradise of Women, so on the contrary that Country is their Purgatory; for Women are put to all manner of Drudgery, their condition being little better than our common Servants, or Chamber-Maids.

There is a kind of People in Syria called Druses, which some Authors have reckon'd amongst Christians, but which are neither Jews nor Christians, but rather a Crew of Barbarous Mongrels; for they marry their Mothers Daughters and Sisters without any [Page] regard at all: The reason they alledge for this Barbarous brutality is, that they have begotten Children for their own use, and not for others, and that no body ought to forbid them the enjoyment of that which is Naturally their own. They have some Holy Days in the year, wherein their Men and Women assemble themselves in a publick place, where they are extreamly Jovial, for after their Feasting and Balling, they begin another kind of Dance, borrowing one anothers Wives.

The Eastern Japannois, otherwise called Wild Lopps, contract Marriage in this manner: The day of the Wedding being come, all the Bridegrooms Friends, and Relations, resort to his Tent, and being gathered together, the Bridegroom goes to his Brides Tent, and brings her to his own; where being come, he in the presence of all the assembly, taking a Steel with a Flint, strikes Fire with all his force, and the more Fire appears, the more fortunate they judge him, looking upon that as a happy Presage of his future Prosperity: This Ceremony ended, the Marriage is concluded. Then they cause the Bride, clothed with Zibellins and Hermines, to be sett upon a tamed Boar; the Bridegroom, being clothed with Bear Skins, goes a foot by her side, all their Relations following with joyful Acclamations, wishing them all Prosperity, and a [Page] numerous Off-Spring. Being come to their Tent they feast and dance, which being done, they begin to sing the Elogium's of their deceased Hero's, and eminent Captains, renowned amongst them for their valorous Atchievements in Warlike affairs. As soon as they have made an end of their Songs, the Bridegroom▪ Bride, and all their Guests, cast themselves on the ground, in a pitiful manner, weeping, sobbing and lamenting the frailty of their Nature and Mortality. About half an hour after, the Instruments begin again to play, and every one rise up to renew the Dance.

In the South part of the World, commonly called Magellanica, when a Man hath Affection for a Woman, he goes to her Relations, to ask them their good will; which having obtained he, without any further Ceremony, takes her along with him, and they Cohabit together like Husband and Wife. Their Relations assemble themselves the next day for to feast and make merry; after that the Brides Relations offer her some Presents, which the Bridegroom receiveth with thankfulness: The Women amongst them practise the same Trade as their Husbands. If any of them chance to ring Changes, and play foul with another Man; then her Husband sends her away to her Parents, who presently shave off all the Hair [Page] of her Head; and in case she, turning a Convert, will return to her Husband, he notwithstanding never will vouchsase to honour her with his Bed, but she must rest contented to serve him, and do all manner of Drudgery.

Having performed my task (gentle Reader) and, as I hope, in part contented thy Curosity about these Nuptial Ceremonies; a part of which Ihave been a Witness to, & of others have received credible Informations from sundry grave Authors and Travellers: Nothing remaineth, but that I Pray the God of all Unity and Concord, in Mercy to heal all our Breaches, to the end that our Church may appear like a Bride, all Glorious within, ready to attend upon Christ her Bridegroom, to whom with the Father, and Holy Spirit, be all Honour and Glory, World without End.

Amen.

FINIS.

[Page]

Information about this book

Title statement

Matrimonial customs, or, The various ceremonies and divers ways of celebrating weddings practised amongst all the nations in the whole world done out of French.Cérémonies nuptiales de toutes les nations. English

Gaya, Louis de.

Edition statement

1687

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A42526

ID [STC]

Wing G401

ID [STC]

ESTC R40885

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

19526408

ID [OCLC]

ocm 19526408

ID [VID]

108995

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Early English books online.

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A42526)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 108995)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1688:10)

Source

— Matrimonial customs, or, The various ceremonies and divers ways of celebrating weddings practised amongst all the nations in the whole world done out of French., Cérémonies nuptiales de toutes les nations. English, Gaya, Louis de..

Extent

104 p.

Printed, for A.S. ...,. London :: 1687.. (Translation of Louis de Gaya's Cérémonies nuptiales de toutes les nations, written originally in Italian, but first published in Paris in 1680--NUC pre-1956 imprints.) (Engraved frontispiece opposite t.p.) (Reproduction of original in the Bodleian Library.)

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