Storia do Mogor 265.15.2

265.15.2

On the bridegroom's arrival opposite to her, never having seen her before this moment, he salutes her and makes the customary bows ; and the singers, raising their voices, proclaim a welcome to the bridegroom, with wishes for the happiness of the marriage. At this point an aged Mulla (man of religious learning) appears ; he is the priest. He holds his head low and keeps his eyes down, in a very modest attitude. He makes them husband and wife on condition that if there is any divorce the bridegroom will have to pay the bride so many millions. Once more the singers begin their song, saying these words : ' May the marriage be blessed a hundredfold.' They divide into two choirs, one singing the bridegroom's and the other the bride's praises. At the end of an hour they present the bridegroom with a box containing a paste that they call mendi (menhdi — i.e., henna). With this he anoints his hands and nails so that they turn red. After another hour they wash his hands with rose-water and offer the water for him to drink, in sign of confirmation of the marriage, as is the custom.