CONCERNING BRIDESMAIDS.
Instead of being so many graceful orna- A ments at the marriage ceremony, as How- \ adays, the bridesmaids in olden times had J, various duties assigned to them. Thus (says a writer in Cassell's Family Magazine) one of the principal tasks was dressing the bride on her wedding morning, when any omission in 'her toilet' was laid to their charge. At a wedding, toojwhere • it' was arranged that the 'bride■• should be Mowed by a numerous train of; her--lady friends; if:ivaa the first bridesmaid's duty to play.the part'of-'a'-drill-mistress.; "sizing" them bo that no pair in the procession were followed by a taller couple. She was also expected to see that, each .bridesmaid .was not only provided with a sprig, of rosemary,, or a floral, posy'pinned to the breast-folds of her dress, but had a symbolical chaplet in her hand. In many parts of Germany it is still customary for thebridesmaidsy* bring.the myrtle wreath, which tjns have subscribed together to .purchase on the nuptial eve, tothe house of the bride, and to remove it from her head. After this has-been done, the bridge ia blindfolded, and the myrtle wreath being put into her hand, she tries to place it on the '• head of one. of hor bridesmaids as they; dance round her; for, in accordance with ' an old belief, whoever she crowns is sureto bo married within a year from that, date; .As may be imagined, this ceremony is the source of no small excitement, each.bridesmaid being naturally, anxiousto follow the example of the bride. Referring once more to the bridal wreath and chaplet, it is still a ourreht notion- inmany parts of our own country that the bride in removing- thea©'' must" take, .special care Wat her bridesmaids throw-away-every pin; -Not onlyia'-'it affirmed that" misfortune' wiHovertake the bridge who retains even one pin used in her marriage if'they keep any of them, as their prospeots of marriage will thereby be materially lessened, ■ ;.'
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Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VI, Issue 1877, 31 December 1884, Page 2
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324CONCERNING BRIDESMAIDS. Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VI, Issue 1877, 31 December 1884, Page 2
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