The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

INDIAN WEDDING CUSTOM

THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY WILL LAST THREE DAYS. THE
BRIDEGROOM IS BROUGHT OUT THE FIRST DAY BY THE
ELDEST SISTER AND INTRODUCED TO THE COMPANY. THE
BRIDE'S BROTHER INTRODUCES ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF THE
FAMILY TO THE GROOM'S FAMILY, WHILE THE GROOM'S
SISTER INTRODUCES HIS FAMILY.
A FIRE OF SANDLEWOOD IS PUT IN THE CENTER OF THE
SQUARE ABOUT WHICH THE CLOSE FAMILY SITS. A
MINIMUM OF 20 PRIESTS PERFORMS A THREE HOUR CEREMONY
DURING WHICH GUESTS ARE SERVED DRINKS AND FOOD. THE BRIDE
IS THEN BROUGHT IN AND A TWO-HOUR FAMILY RITUAL FOLLOWS.
AFTER THIS IS OVER, ALL THE GUESTS GO OUT FOR A
24 COURSE BANQUET.
ON THE SECOND DAY, DURING A CEREMONY, A NECKLACE
OF GOLD ALTERNATED BY BLACK PEARLS IS PRESENTED
BY THE GROOM TO THE BRIDE. THIS HAS BEEN PURCHASED
BY THE BRIDE'S PARENTS.
ON THE THIRD DAY, THE BRIDE AND GROOM SERVE EACH INVITED
PERSON SOME JUICE. AFTER ALL HAVE BEEN SERVED, A LARGE
BANQUET BEGINS. THIS CONCLUDES THE CEREMONY.

Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Date learned: 03-08-1968