The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CURVAVASFIADABA (BLOODY WEDDING)

A YOUNG PEASANT BOY AND GIRL FELL IN LOVE IN GREECE
DURING THE OCCUPATION OF THAT COUNTRY BY THE TURKS.
THE GIRL WAS BEAUTIFUL AND THE COUPLE WANTED TO
GET MARRIED, BUT HAD TO GET THE TURKISH OVERSEER'S
PERMISSION FIRST. THE TURKISH OFFICIAL ASKED THE
COUPLE TO COME FOR AN INTERVIEW AT HIS VILLA. WHEN
THE OFFICIAL SAW THE GIRL'S BEAUTY, HE WANTED HER
FOR HIMSELF BUT HIS ADVANCES ON THE GIRL WERE REFUSED
AND THIS INFURIATED THE TURK. THE COUPLE BEGGED
FOR HIS PERMISSION BUT HE REFUSED THEM IN A ROUND-
ABOUT WAY. THE COUPLE DECIDED TO GET MARRIED ANYWAY
AND THE VILLAGE READIED ITSELF FOR THE BIG FEAST.
AFTER THE WEDDING AND AT FEAST, EVERYONE WAS HAPPY.
THE TURK CAME AND THE PEOPLE HOPED THAT HE WOULD GIVE
THE COUPLE HIS BLESSING. WHEN THE TURK CONFRONTED
THE BRIDEGROOM, HE SHOT HIM DEAD AND TRIED TO STEAL
THE BRIDE AWAY. SHE STRUGGLED AND WHILE STRUGGLING
SHE HERSELF WAS KILLED.
THE FATHER OF THE BRIDE STABBED THE OFFICIAL, AND
HIS TROOPS OPEN FIRE ON THE VILLAGERS. THE
REMAINING TROOPS CARRY THE LORD'S BODY AWAY
TO THE VILLAGE FOR HIDING. LATER ON THE TURK IS
BROUGHT BACK TO HIS VILLA AND THE VILLA IS ATTACKED
BY THE PITCHFORK-LADEN PEASANTS AND THEY OBTAIN
VICTORY.

Submitter comment: JAMES LEARNED THIS FROM HIS RELATIVES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-10-1967