History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

CHAP. III.] PARSI MEALS. 125

instead of as formerly, when hundreds sat in a line in rows upon an oblong sheet of cotton cloth laid upon the floor, each eating his food off a plantain leaf upon which it was laid out.

Eyen now, on occasions of large gathering such as take place on marriages or similar joyful occasions, when invitations are issued by hundreds, the guests eat in batches of two and three hundred at a time. At such large parties the primitive plantain leaves are brought into requisition, and a leaf of about sixteen or eighteen inches square is put on the table opposite each chair, and the attendants place the different viands upon it. When the first batch have finished their meal, the soiled leaves, with the remnants of the dinner, are removed, the table cleaned as dexterously as possible, and fresh plantain leaves and viands are placed upon it. This process is repeated until all the guests have been served. The host and his immediate relations and intimate friends dine with the last company at table.

Generally well-to-do Parsis take three meals a day. In the morning, after ablutions, they have, between seven and half-past, their breakfast, which consists of tea, bread and butter, and eggs. Between twelve and one lunch or tiffin is served, at which rice and curry, with mutton, vegetables, and fish, form the principal dishes. The poorer classes are, however, content with simple rice and “doll,” a thick grain curry. Between