52 Some Notes on the Huculs.
the marriage ceremonies, sometimes lasting for 8 or lo days. After this the tree is nailed to the gate of the farm, where it stays till wind and rain have destroyed it. On the reproduction of a wedding invitation (Plate II. ),^ it will be noticed that, by the caprice of him who drew it, a girl carries the fir-tree.
There are a great number of wedding songs which play an important part in the festivities. Another custom before the wedding is, when the youth who is courting sends his match-makers (generally esteemed friends of his family) to the house of the girl. In proof of their good breeding they will not fulfil their commission in plain words, but they will begin by relating a tale of a hunter who pursued an otter, which leapt into a pond, and from thence into the house in which they are. During this preface, the parents of the girl prepare a luncheon, consisting of wheat bread and whisky {vodka), while the girl gives them a piece of needlework prepared by her for the bridegroom. Finally the suitors give their message in form. After the marriage, which takes place in the Greek Catholic Church at 8 o'clock in the morning, the bridegroom returns with his guests to his father's house, and the bride to that of her parents. In both houses the wedding is celebrated. It is not until the guests have well eaten and drunk that the parents of the bride will send a deputation of good friends to the house of the bridegroom to conduct him to his new lodging. Sometimes the case may be reversed, if the young couple are to live in the house of the bridegroom's parents. When begging him or her to betake themselves there, they will offer "white" bread, the Hucul name of which is Kotacz.
^The invitation runs as follows: "The marriage | of our daughter | Frena Sophia I with Mr. Theodor Rozankowski, judge \adjunkt sgdowoy\ \ will be held the 17th inst. at 8'^- evening in the church in Lwow \Lemberg\. \ Sobiesz- ezyzra Street. 7 September 1903. | Hermina and Wolodimir Szuchiewicz."
