The Social Organisation in North-East India in Buddha's Time c14.158

c14.158

the parents before the astrologer was asked whether the stars of the boy were not hostile to those of the girl. As if this was not sufficient, he must also find out what were the castes of the boy and the girl in their former existence. If both belonged to the same caste, the betrothal contract can be made, provided that the stars are not in other respects hostile. If it happens, however, that the caste of the boy in a former existence was lower than that of the girl, then betrothal is not permitted." "For all events which can take place in the life of a man or a woman, the astrologer must select an auspicious day—for marriage, for every part of the marriage ceremony, for the commencement of a journey, for the placing of the first plough on the ground, etc. A woman cannot wear a new set of bracelets before she knows that the stars are favourable and an orthodox Brâhmaṇa will not put on a new garment until he has ascertained that the day is auspicious on which he wears it for the first time."