The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

WEDDING CUSTOM IN INDIA

THE GIRLS AND THEIR GROOMS NEVER MEET. THE BRIDES ARE
ONLY 15 TO 17 YEARS OLD. A TROUSSEAU IS FURNISHED BY
THE GROOM'S FAMILY BUT A DOWRY IS PROVIDED BY TH
BRIDE'S FATHER. THE BRIDE MUST RECEIVE A MINIMUM OF
SEVEN NEW OUTFITS OR THE MARRIAGE WILL BE CALLED OFF.
THE HONEYMOON CONSISTS OF A 7 DAY VISIT TO THEIR
MOTHER-IN-LAW'S HOMES, WHERE THE BRIDES SIT ON THE
FLOOR AND NEVER SPEAK, WITH THEIR EYES CAST DOWN AND
EVEN REFUSE FOOD UNLESS URGED UPON THEM. THIS IS THE
WAY THE BRIDES SHOW THAT THEY ARE SWEET, HUMBLE AND
SHY--PERFECT COMPANIONS FOR THE MOTHERS' SONS. THE
GROOMS DO NOT HAVE TO FACE SUCH A TEST. THEY GO ABOUT
THEIR WORK, SHOWING HOW MANLY THEY ARE.

Where learned: INDIA

Date learned: NOT GIVEN