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

CHAP, IV.] MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE. 187

under their last king Yazdezard promised the Rana of Sanjan, on whose shores they landed, that such a course would be observed.

The whole is brought to a conclusion with the recital of “Tandarusti,” 7.e. a blessing invoking the bestowal of physical strength, energy, and health on the newly-married pair. After the conclusion of these ceremonies the bride and the bridegroom, or, if they are minors, their fathers or guardians, together with the two persons who represent the fathers or guardians, and the two officiating priests, sign a marriage certificate, which is afterwards registered at the office of the Registrar of Parsi marriages.

When the ceremony has been thus concluded the bridegroom, accompanied by his friends, retires to his own house, where they all sit down to a banquet. The bride’s party are entertained by her father. The ladies are first served, and when they have left the table it is prepared for the gentlemen. ‘The Parsis, from their earliest sojourn in India, have refrained from eating meat on the day of marriage to avoid giving offence to the feelings of the Hindus, as a number of sheep would require to be killed for so large a party. The viands, therefore, consist of fish, vegetables, sweetmeats, fruits, preserves, and similar articles. European and native wines are drunk freely, and several toasts are proposed by the company, including the health of the wedded pair, their parents,