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

CHAP. IV. | EARLY MARRIAGES. 171

and acquaintances. On the other hand, the women, who on these occasions invite their friends, have the gratification of displaying their jewellery and rich dresses, and so urge on the men to bring about an early consummation of their wish.

Under these circumstances there is little chance of a Parsi gentleman entering the family of his proposed partner in order to win her affections, or of his obtaining a wife of his own personal choice. To those unacquainted with Parsi manners and customs it will perhaps be startling to learn that instances are not wanting of the betrothal of a boy of three years of age to a girl of two. It may seem very ridiculous, but it is nevertheless a fact that less than twenty years ago it was the custom in Bombay, and in some of the cities of Gujarat, to arrange or negotiate for the marriage of children who had not even seen the light of this world; that is to say, if two lady friends were enceinte, they would conclude an arrangement that if one should bear a son and the other a daughter, the infants would be united in marriage. This foolish system is, we believe, no longer practised in Bombay; but instances of the kind still oceur among the Parsis in some of the villages of Gujarat, where the march of enlightenment has not been as rapid as in the city.

A great change has taken place within the last thirty or forty years. The records of Parsi marri-