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

154 HISTORY OF THE PARSIS. [CHAP. IV.

who is about to become a mother is made to perform certain ceremonies, a description of which we think will be interesting. As soon as it is known that such an event may be shortly expected there is much rejoicing in the families of the parents of both husband and wife. When the wife has advanced five months she is presented by her mother-in-law with a new dress, which she puts on and then goes to the house of her own parents, who also give her a dress.

After she has advanced either seven, or sometimes the full nine months, what is called the “ Agharni” or pregnancy ceremony is performed. It is as interesting as it is novel in character. An auspicious day having been selected, her mother-in-law early in the morning puts a suit of new clothes on the young lady, and sends to her parents a present of fish, curds, milk, and sugar. The young lady’s parents return these presents, adding thereto some more fish, curds, milk, rings, corn, ete., and at noon a richly prepared repast is sent for the whole of the family and friends who may have been invited for the occasion. In the afternoon the ground-floor of a room facing the east is ornamented with chunam (lime) and various coloured powders, with the devices of fish, peacocks, and other birds or animals, and variegated flowers. The young lady is made to stand on a flat

wooden stool, two or three inches high, and placed