readings from the Korān, with much beating of drums and kettledrums and
Malay dances, and when this had gone on for some time, supper was served to
all the men present in the balei, or separate hall, and to the women in the house
adjoining. Supper over, readings from the Korān and beating of drums were
continued till daylight.
“On Tuesday evening the dyeing of the fingers of the bridegroom was performed
for the second time, as on the preceding evening.
“The third occasion of dyeing the fingers of the bridegroom took place on
Wednesday evening, but with much more ceremony than previously. The
bridegroom, after being dressed in silks and cloth of gold, was paraded in an
open carriage. On each side of him was seated a groom’sman shading him with a
fan, and behind, holding an umbrella over him, was another. And thus, with
many followers beating drums and singing, and with the Royal sireh^96 -box, on
which are seated the dragons known as naga pura and naga taru, and with two
Royal spears carried before him and two behind, the bridegroom was taken
through the streets in procession. On arriving at the bride’s house he was
received with showers of rose-water, and then conveyed by the elders to the
raised dais on which the bride and bridegroom awaited their friends.
“The bridegroom being seated, fourteen of the elders came forward and dyed his
fingers with henna, and afterwards others, who were clever at this, followed their
example. While this was going on there was much beating of gongs and drums,
and then the same process of dyeing was repeated on the bride by women. Next
the Imām came, and, after stating that the dowry was $100 cash, heard Wan
Mahamed Esa publicly receive Siti Meriam as his wife, whereupon the Bilal^97
read a prayer and afterwards pronounced a blessing.
“Supper was then served to all the guests present as before, the men having their
meal in the balei and the women in the house adjoining, and singing and dancing
was kept up until daylight.
“On Thursday afternoon the bride, dressed in her best, with her father and
relations, received the Resident, who was accompanied by Mrs. Birch, the
Senior District Officer and Mrs. Turney, Captain and Mrs. Syers, Mr. Edwards,
and many other ladies and gentlemen. Cakes and preserves were served, of
which the ladies and gentlemen present partook. Then the bridegroom arrived,