Correspondence. 2 5 i
invention. " For many years past, rice alone, and more recently, confetti alone, have been showered on a bridal pair when leaving the precincts of the church after the marriage ceremony. Both these articles are, in this connection, so objectionable and annoying as to be almost a nuisance ; so, too, is the slipper occasionally thrown at the bride and bridegroom, and often to the hurt or harm of one of them if hit by the missile. The prevailing idea is that these customary or occasional observances bring luck to the nuptial parties." Then follows a description of "lucky objects," amongst different races, which are familiar to folklorists. " My object therefore is to use such forms as luck or love-charms, or tokens, amulets, emblems and symbols as are indicated, and others of a like kind (including the forget-me-not) and to make my representations thereof in papier-mache, celluloid or other suitable substance, gilded, silvered, or otherwise suitably coloured, as well as to combine and preserve in continuity therewith, miniature slippers (of such suitable substance and colouring), rice, barley, or other cereals, used as aforesaid, and confetti (such seeds being preferably coated with a smooth transparent substance or varnish so that they may not so easily cling to the clothing or hair, or cause an unpleasant feeling inside a garment) for sprinkling in the path of a newly-wedded couple, or showering over them, as may be desired — " for luck." " The tokens are to be sprinkled by means of " a cornucopia or horn-of-plenty, luck-horn, or like receptacles," and in its lid flower-holding tubes are fixed. " The names of the nuptial parties, and date of the ceremony, may also be engraved on the receptacle, or on a plate to be affixed thereto, so that in its more artistic forms in silver and gold the receptacles may be preserved and descend as heirlooms in the family with some of its lucky contents " (sic).
A. R. Wright.
