the middleman and his wife. The parental house is swept out on her departure, and in former days a bonfire was lighted at the gate,—ceremonies indicative of the purification necessary after the removal of a dead body.
The wedding, which takes place immediately on the bride's arrival at the house of her husband's parents, is of the nature of a dinner-party. The distinguishing feature of it is what is termed the san-san ku-do, that is, literally, "three three, nine times," because both the bridegroom and the bride drink three times out of each of three wine-cups of different sizes, making nine times in all, or rather they do not drink, but only lift the cup to their lips. Another essential part of the ceremony is the changing of garments. The bride, on reaching her new home, changes her white dress for one given to her by her husband. But immediately after the ceremonial drinking-bout, and while the guests are still assembled at the feast, she retires and puts on a coloured dress brought with her from her parents house. The bridegroom changes his dress at the same time in another apartment.[1] At the conclusion of the feast, the newly married couple are led into the bridal chamber by the middleman and his wife, whereupon they pledge each other in nine more cups of wine. It is significant that the husband, as lord and master, now drinks first. At the earlier stage of the proceedings the bride drank first, in her quality of guest. This ends the wed ding ceremony.
A few days later—strictly speaking it should be on the third day—a visit is paid by the couple to the bride's parents. This is termed her sato-gaeri, or "return home." On this occasion, she wears a dress presented to her by her husband or his family. Meantime the necessary notice has been given to the authorities, which is the only legal form to be observed. It consists in a request to the district office by the head of the family to which the girl formerly belonged, that her registration may be transferred
- ↑ Some men are now married in European evening dress, in which case no change takes place.
