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

CHAP. IV.] THE BETROTHAL. 175

this sage. If he does not approve of the match, and augurs that ill will arise from it, negotiations are at once broken off. But if he shows no such apprehension, and goes so far as to predict happiness for the pair, the proposal has advanced one important stage towards its accomplishment. The stars having been declared favourable to the union, the parents of the boy and girl cause further inquiries to be made into each other’s means, respectability, position, and connections in the community. The parents of the girl inquire particularly as to the amiability or otherwise of her intended mother-in-law, as in a Parsi family the happiness of the wedded girl depends greatly upon the behaviour of this new relative towards her, the husband being still dependent on his father. When the heads of both families have been satisfied as to the suitability of the match, the betrothal of the young people takes place, the day for the celebration being named by the astrologer. There is no ceremony attending it. The parents of the boy send a present of a dress to the girl, and vice versd. This exchange makes the marriage contract “pucka” or complete, and it cannot then be dissolved. There is no fixed period at which the marriage ceremony should take place. It mainly depends upon the convenience of the parties, but the latest time at which it is performed 1s, as far as possible, immediately after the girl has arrived at the age of puberty. Instances, however, are not wanting,