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

CHAP. IV.] THE DIVIDING CURTAIN. 179

opposite each other on handsome chairs, and then a piece of cloth is held between them as a curtain so as to screen them from each other's sight. Under this curtain they are made to hold each other's right hand in their grasp. Then another piece of cloth is placed round so as to encircle them, and the ends of the cloth are tied together by a double knot. In the same way raw twist is taken and wound round the pair seven times by the officiating priests, who during this performance repeat the short prayers of Yatha Ahu Vairyo. On completing the seventh round, the twist is tied seven times over the jomed hands of the couple, as well as round the double knot of the ends of the cloth previously put about them. When this is over incense is burnt on a fire placed in a flat metallic vase, after which the curtain is suddenly dropped down, and the bride and bridegroom, who have each been provided with a few grains of rice, hasten to throw them at one another. This is followed by a clapping of hands from the ladies, who are seated round the bridal pair, and the applause is taken up by the gentlemen outside. After throwing the rice the couple sit side by side, when the recital of “ashirwad” or blessings by two “dasturs” or chief priests follows; one of these stands before the bridegroom and the other before the bride.

Before giving a description of the “ashirwad” cere-

mony it seems necessary to explain the meaning of