QUAINT CUSTOMS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 36, 5 October 1931, Page 5

QUAINT CUSTOMS

HOW COURTSHIPS ARE CONDUCTED IN BULGARIA The village well is the traditional meeting-place of lovers. Here the man begins his courtship by taking from the girl the rose she wears in her hair. If she favours his suit she fastens the rose in his coat, and if, in addition, she offers hina a glass of water, the engagement is regarded as a fait accornpli. The consent of the girl's parents, however, has yet to be obtained. The young man sends a deputation to her house to ask for her hand, and if the request is granted, before lea^ing each member of the deputation is given a home-made present, such as a pair of stockings or an embroidered shirt. These gifts they carry on their left shoulder through the village, so that in a short time the news of the betrothal is an open secret. The village hride is always conducted to hcr future home by a male relative, anct met by the bridegroom's youngest brother and his companions. This escort had its origin in the days when Bulgaria' was under the Turks, and maidens ran the risk of being seized and carried off to a harem. The Bulgarians are a sturdy, hardworking, honest race. They will deny themselves food to educate their children, and a great many of them are vegetarians for reasons of health and economy. Every village has its school, and the standard of culture is highest throughout the country. The Theatre in Sofia, which is probably the most technically perfect theatre in Europe, the bill of fare includes plays like Shakespear's " Goriolanus " and Ben Jonson's " Volpone," and draws packed houses.