varies in size, owing to the size of the pocketbook of the party who buys it, but it is usually about the size of the little finger, and six inches long, with a head on one end. This pin and the two large silver rings are the most highly prized possessions of the Korean bride. The rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand, and are so large that the fingers are compelled to stand apart when they are worn.
It is not possible to go into details here and describe the different costumes and customs that figure in all grades of society. They are all on the same general style, and are adhered to in accordance with the financial ability of the contracting parties. So I shall try to give a clear idea of a middle-class marriage, and let the reader fill in for the more elaborate of the rich and deduct from that of the poor who cannot have even a feast for their friends.
The day has at last arrived and the groom is dressed in a real wedding costume — not his own, but one that has been rented for the occasion. It has been worn by many grooms before, and will be worn by many more. This is a real official costume, such as is worn by high officials when they go into the presence of the king. It consists of silk robes, high boots, and a peculiar cap with earlike wings protruding from the sides, which means that the ears of an official are always open to the words of his king. Thus dressed, the groom, riding upon a pony or a donkey and escorted by men dressed in servants' attire carrying many-colored lanterns and a huge umbrella in front of him, proceeds to the home of the bride. Here he does not
