'The Expedition for the survey of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris, carried on by order of the British government, in the years 1835, 1836, and 1837; preceded by geographical and historical notices of the regions situated between the rivers Nile and Indus. In four volumes. With fourteen maps and charts, and embellished with ninety-seven plates, besides numerous wood-cuts. Volume the first.' [‎243] (308/905)

CHAP. XI.]
MARRIAGE CUSTOMS.
243
wetted, and thus become impervious to the rain. The tent
of the common people is from 20 to 25 feet long, by 10 or
12 feet broad, 8 or 9 high in the centre, and 3 or 4 at
the sides, which are usually closed by reed-mats, instead of
hair-cloth. It is supported by two, and occasionally, when
the size is considerable, by three or more poles in a row;
and the space within is divided by a curtain, so as to separate
the apartment of the men from that of the women.
In Persia, as in Barbary and in most parts of the East, Formalities
the. preliminaries of a marriage are (without the parties marriage,
having met) carried on by a female relative, who first sounds
the mother of the lady, and then a formal deputation on the
part of the youth is sent to the parents of,,the latter. Being
affianced, the suitor endeavours to obtain the sum which he
has agreed to pay; whilst, on the other hand, a provision
is made by way of dower, consisting of some clothes, but
chiefly carpets, cooking apparatus, china-ware, and household
utensils. These matters of detail vary according to the
wealth of the parties, and, in the case of the rich, are pro
vided immediately; whilst the poorer people sometimes re
quire Collection of papers folded in half and stitched together to form a gathering of folios. a year or two for making good the arrangements. The
contract stipulating for a provision in case of divorce, or the
death of the husband, is then drawn out, and is signed by
the kazi, or a mulla, in the presence of witnesses.
On the appointed evening the bride is conducted to the Rejoicings on
house of her husband, accompanied by the relatives, friends, the occasion -
and neighbours of both parties, with bands of music and
singers, firing of muskets, and other noisy rejoicings.
Among humble individuals these festivities conclude with a
supper; while the rich make a ruinous display, which con
tinues during many successive days. 1
In addition to the permanent marriages, which, for each
man, are restricted to four, others of a temporary nature
take place in the presence of the kazi; when the woman,
1 Chardin describes the festivities of a great wedding at Ispahan, which
lasted fourteen days, with a succession of guests; the courtiers, king's favour
ites, generals, pontiffs, chancellors, secretaries, and men of note, including
the sovereign, being received successively in conformity to rank and etiquette.
—-Voyage, Tome VI., p. 213.