Storia do Mogor 281.21.3

281.21.3

After the completion of this first ceremony, they brought seven small pots full of earth, in which a few days before had been sown some rice and country peas, which have to be taken out on the marriage day. These pots were placed round the foot of the tree. At the same time a stone was placed in position, and on this a coco-nut is broken on the wedding-day, and the contents spilt. Seven days afterwards a sort of four-cornered tent was erected, called by these people ramade. This was placed so that the tree above mentioned should be kept in the middle. At the four corners mango branches were planted, and all round it leaves were bound on with thread; the meaning of this I will state hereafter. At the foot of the tree an altar was made without either cross or crucifix, its only ornament the image of the Virgin, which the Hindus count to be that of Bengavaty (Bhagavati), mother of their false god, Ram. The altar faced the east, another Hindu custom. Things being thus made ready, they went in the morning to the church, where the marriage ceremony was celebrated quietly. But in the evening a second ceremony took place in Hindu fashion. At that time the bridegroom left his house to the sound [65] of instruments, riding in a palanquin surrounded by dancers, all of whom are public women, and proceeded to the church door. He went in alone and said a short prayer, then rejoined his equipage, which waited outside.