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Marriage |
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A
marriage of the 1970s |
| calitri
tradizioni |
Subsequently
a more experienced woman (or a seamstress) would price the outfit:
seated at a table, she examined the baskets of clothing which
were handed to her, counted each article and wrote down her estimate
of the trousseau’s value. |
| At
sunset, once the trousseau had been assessed, the bride's family
passed around refreshments, namely brandy and biscotti. |
| The
trousseau was then placed back in baskets to be taken to the groom’s
home. The carriers, as they went through the streets, made sure
the basket contents were in full view of onlookers. At the groom’s
home the bride’s mother placed all the articles in a chest
provided for this purpose. This, along with the bed, often constituted
the couple’s only furniture. |
| The
next step was the preparation of the nuptial bed which was bedecked
with flowers and pastries. Generally – but not a set rule
– this was performed by the sisters-in-law of the two mothers,
while the remaining members of the family looked on, improvising
songs and dances. More sweets and drinks were passed around, and
additionally a small box of pastry (cartoccij’)
was handed out to be taken home to each of the families. |
| At
this point another banquet followed. For this purpose, several rooms
in the family’s home and, if necessary, also in other neighborhood
homes, were reserved. If each of the two families had invited an
approximately identical number of guests, the cost was shared equally,
otherwise the expenses were figured per family. |
The
dinner consisted of hors-d’oeuvres, ziti (cannazze),
two courses of meat, wine, and fruits. The cook was also provided
for. |
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