The Ghost Who Was Thwarted

The Ghost Who Was Thwarted

(Revised by BoSt) 

Once upon a time there lived a particularly bright young man who had successfully passed the State military examination, and had been ordered to go, by a specific date, to report for duty in another Province.

As it was the rainy season, he was dressed appropriately with his belongings wrapped in waterproof skins and loaded on horseback. Following the main highways, he rode and whenever possible, galloped with eagerness to reach his destination on time.

On this day the weather had not been particularly cooperative. Gusting winds and sudden downpours hindered his progress all along the way. Dusk was fast approaching and he was nowhere near a town or an inn where he could pass the night in relative comfort.

The buildup of ominous clouds above persuaded him to veer off onto a side road leading to a small village nestled in the woods. He needed to seek immediate accommodations before darkness blanketed the earth. He spotted a peasant, returning from fields at the end of the day’s work loaded with fresh fodder for the animals and inquired as to a possible night’s lodging.

The peasant shook his head, “It’s not that we are inhospitable, but there are only impoverished families in this village. You are certain not to find any room in any of the huts.” Then in conciliatory mood he directed the Soldier to an old dilapidated Temple still standing just outside of the village. At least there he could spend the night somewhat sheltered from the harsh elements.

The Soldier thanked the peasant and rode away. He eventually came upon the badly neglected structure, half buried in vines, runners and rampant vegetation. With some difficulty he pushed open the creaking door and stepped in. At once his lungs were assailed by a musky smell and dust lay inches high everywhere. Thick cobwebs hid most of the surfaces. In the niches he saw barely visible statues of gods so decayed through years of neglect that he could not distinguish one from the other.

The suffocating air forced the Soldier to go outside. He gasped and gasped then looked about him when he could breathe bit more easily. As night cloaked the premises he fetched a candle from his bundle and lit it. Going around the main temple structure he came upon a portion of the second story that was precariously attached, barely hanging on to the main structure. Following the trellises off to the side he found a protected alcove under an old flight of stone steps that ended abruptly, going nowhere.

“This will do for the night.” He grumbled under his breath then, fetching his knapsack, spread it out under the stone steps. He tied his horse to an old tree and placed some fodder before him. Next he took his flask from the saddle and wet his dry throat. He leaned back and began washing down some dry rations to satiate his sudden grumbling tummy. The rains came and went until the dark sky cleared of the ominous clouds which were replaced with scattered puffs that parted periodically to let the waning new moon peep through.

The Soldier, rather exhausted from travel, had just closed his eyes in sleep when a rustling sound in the temple startled him awake. What’s more, a sudden icy breeze swept over his face making him shudder involuntarily.

The moonlight just then revealed a chalk-faced woman dressed in a dirty old style red gown coming out of the temple. She stole past quietly as though she were afraid of being seen. 

The Soldier quickly swallowed his fear. Lying perfectly still he pretended to be asleep and covertly watched her with half-closed eyes. Curiously, the woman drew a rope from her sleeve and looked at it for a time before instantly vanishing into thin air. This confirmed she was an apparition, most likely a ghost of one who had hung herself. He got up quietly and traced her steps.

Sure enough, she went into the village and when she came to a certain house she slipped into the courtyard through a crack in the door. As he was keen to find out her reason for haunting this premise, the Soldier abandoned propriety and leapt over the wall after her. Standing before him was a modest three roomed house. Crossing the rather empty courtyard, he reached the rear room where a lamp was burning dimly. The Soldier looked through the window into the room, and there he spotted a young woman of about twenty sitting on the bed, sighing deeply. Her kerchief however was soaked through with tears. Beside her in a crib lay a little child fast asleep.

The woman repeatedly looked up toward the beam of the ceiling. She appeared in great dismay, one moment she would weep and the next she would gently, lovingly, stroke the child. The Soldier, following her gaze positioned himself so as to see more clearly the object of her attention. His eyes avidly searched the high ceiling and finally he spotted the dark apparition sitting up on the beam. Momentarily she glowed. He could see clearly now as she, with an eerie smile, passed the rope around her neck and then, eyes bulging, tongue sticking out, she mimicked being hanged. Egging on the poor woman on, the ghost hissed with hostility one moment then in the next beckoned alluringly with a hand gesture.

Each time the young woman looked up as though drawn by an irresistible command, remained focused as if mesmerized, then snapped out of her reverie only when the child wiggled or gurgled. This went on for some time. 

Unexpectedly the young woman in a resolute voice addressed the Ghost: "You say it would be best for me to die. Very well, then, I will die; but oh, I cannot bear to part with my baby!" Once more cupping her face, she burst into heart-wrenching tears, but the heartless ghost merely scoffed and threatened her. In an undecipherable communication the apparition next reached out softly in order to coax her.

When the exhausted young woman finally yielded to all that pressure and in resignation declared: "Enough, do not torture me any more… I’ll do as you wish, I will die. Just leave my baby in peace."

The Soldier for a time was lost for what to do. He could make noise or force his way in to stop or at least impede the evil apparition’s aim. The very real consequence of being chastised or charged as trespasser however, made him hesitate.

“But can I just stand by and do nothing?” As he struggled to find the right course of action, the young lady meanwhile had gone over to her chest of clothes, put on new garments, and painted her face before the mirror. Then she drew up a bench and climbed up on it. She undid her girdle and knotted it to the beam. She had already stretched forth her neck and was about to tie the other end around her neck when the child suddenly awoke and began to cry.

To the Soldier’s relief, the woman aborted the suicide, climbed down and, taking the baby to her bosom, stroked the infant's head and chest as she rocked her body slowly back and forth. Tears streamed from her eyes like a string of pearls and fell onto her child. She wept and wept. The irate ghost meanwhile heartlessly growled and hissed at this delay. She was so close to reaching her objective. She had haunted this young woman for many months wearing away her resolve. In a short while the child had again fallen asleep, and the woman once more began to look aloft. Then she rose, again climbed on the bench, and was about to lay the noose about her neck when the Soldier, risking all, began to call out loudly and drum on the window-pane to stop her. Then, with one hard punch, he broke through the pane and climbed into the room. The shocked and frightened woman fell to the ground unconscious while the ghost vanished into thin air.

Fortunately for him there was no other about. The Soldier picked up the unconscious woman and gently laid her on her bed. Then slapped her cheeks tried to bring her around. As she was about to regain consciousness, he drew away to a distance, intent on leaving. Suddenly however, something hanging down from the beam, like a cord without an end caught his eye. Knowing that it belonged to the ghost of the hanged woman he reached for it and tugged at it. Wrapping it into a coil he placed it in his inner pocket.

By this time the young woman had gained her full faculties. She trembled with fright at the perceived danger from an intruder.

The Soldier with a placating smile and in a soothing voice tried to reassure the young woman: "Forgive this intrusion. I mean you no harm, but I could not just simply stand by and have you throw your life away. Your child needs you to take good care of him! You have but one life to lose in this world!" And with that he made his hasty retreat outside.

He was fearful of the possible consequences and so he headed straight towards the Temple to retrieve his horse and his baggage and make his quick departure.

When he came out of the village he encountered the angry ghost, waiting for him on the road.

Barring his way, the ghost growled: “You have interrupted my plans and have thus wronged me terribly. I was the former wife of that faithless man; one so callously cast me aside in favour of that woman because of my inability to give him an offspring. His cold and cruel ways drove me in the end to suicide where I am now condemned to roam the Earth and suffer this vile existence for all eternity. He happens to be away for a long time and I used this opportunity to effect my revenge on him. She was blameless yes, but …” She appeared truly remorseful. “As you have interceded, there remains little for me to do now. Unfortunately I cannot depart without that thing I left behind me in my hurry. I know you have it, and so I implore you sir, please to return it to me."

The Soldier showed her the rope, "Is this the thing you mean? I’m sorry for what has happened to you. But why exact revenge on an innocent being? Your grievance is with your husband not her. I fear if I were to give it back to you may once I’m gone try again to snuff out an innocent life. And that I cannot be party to."

With these words he wound the rope around his arm and said: "Now be off with you!" 

The ghost in her desperation now grew furious. Her face turned greenish-black, her hair fell in wild disorder down her neck, her eyes grew bloodshot, and her tongue hung far out of her mouth. She stretched forth both hands and tried to seize the Soldier, but he struck out at her with his clenched fist. By mistake he hit himself in the nose and it began to bleed. Then he sprinkled a few drops of blood in her direction and, since the ghosts cannot endure human blood, with a shrilling hiss she ceased her attack, moved off a few paces and began to abuse him. This she did for some time, until the cock in the village began to crow. Then the ghost let out a shrill cry and disappeared before the morning sun hit her.

In the meantime the farmer-folk of the village having been apprised of the happenings, had rushed forth to thank the Soldier. It seems that after he had left the woman, her husband had come home and asked his wife what had happened. And then for the first time he had learned of her long suffering ordeal and what had occurred that very night. So gathering some of the neighbours, they set out together along the road in order to look for the stranger.

When they found him he was still beating the air with his fists and talking wildly. So they called out to him and he told them what had taken place. The rope could still be seen on his bare arm; yet it had grown fast to it, and surrounded it in the shape of a red ring of flesh.

The day was just dawning, so the Soldier packed his belongings then swung himself into his saddle and continued his journey without a word. 

The End



(Note: This folk tale has been handed down traditionally.
Adapted from: The Chinese Fairy Book (1921) by Richard Wilhelm, translated by F. H. Martens LIII. “The Ghost Who Was Foiled”- Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License)

Laoshan Taoist

Laoshan Taoist

(Chinese Classic Revised by BoSt) 

Once upon a time there was a young scholar named Wang Ch'i who was fervent about Taoism and so read every available book and practiced daily to be an ardent Taoist. Somewhere along the way he’d learned that there were many immortals living on Mount Laoshan, so he undertook the long arduous journey there. When he reached the summit of the mountain, true enough he spotted a secluded monastery nestled in the woods. 

 He raced towards it as fast as his feet could carry him and pounded on the large door. As no one responded, he tried the latch and found the door was not locked. He hesitantly let himself in and when his eyes adjusted to the dim light he saw some ways in a distinguished Taoist priest with white hair hanging down to his shoulders who appeared to be in a deep contemplation sitting on a rush mat. Approaching tentatively, Wang kowtowed to show his respect and knelt before the priest in silence in order to compose his thoughts and allow the priest to respond to his presence. As the latter seemed impervious to Wang’s presence and no response was forthcoming, Wang cleared his throat then again kowtowing begged forgiveness for his intrusion then voiced his innermost desire to learn more of Taoism and asked the priest to be his teacher.

The priest’s eyelids slowly lifted and his pupils gazed straight at Wang for a seemingly endless time. His astute observation revealed that Wang, however sincere, was still too pampered to endure all the required hardships to be a proper Taoist. This simply put, failed to deter Wang. He was adamant and emphatically argued that he could adapt and learn new ways, being most willing to endure any hardship to do so. Therefore he was provided with meager living accommodations and was allowed to remain in the monastery for a time, depending on his progress. 

Early the next morning, the priest sent for Wang. He was given an ax and told to go with the other disciples to cut firewood in the forest. Wang happily obeyed. After more than a month of cutting wood however, Wang's hands and feet were covered with thick calluses. The sparse living conditions and the rigid schedule, the enforced quiet, to say nothing of the simple rations eventually took its toll on Wang. Unable to stand the suffering any longer, he began entertaining the idea of returning home. 

One evening, when he returned from his assigned task, he discovered two guests drinking wine with his master. It was already dark, so the priest cut a piece of white paper in the shape of a round mirror and stuck it on the wall. Instantly, it turned into a brilliant white moon which lit up the room. 

The few other disciples streamed in order to wait upon their master and the guests; however one of the guests, not standing on ceremony went forth, took a jug of wine and offered it to the disciples to drink. The jug was passed around accordingly, but the disciples were astonished to see that the wine in the jar did not diminish even after several rounds of consumption.

The other guest said:"It is rather dull drinking by ourselves. Why not ask the moon goddess to join us?" The priest nodded, then he threw a chopstick at the moon on the wall and a beautiful girl appeared. Less than a foot tall at first, she stepped down from the wall and grew to human size. She then proceeded to sing and dance gracefully. 

When she finished singing, she jumped onto the table and turned back into a chopstick. The three quests laughed heartily. They talked, joked around and drunk some more, enjoying a truly pleasurable time. Afterwards one of the guests said:"It has been a very pleasant evening. Will you all drink another glass with me in the Moon Palace?"The three guests ascended and in a flash they disappeared, seeming having moved their table up into the moon. 

 

Wang rubbed his eyes in disbelief at these phantasmal events. He looked up and strangely enough actually spotted the three figures drinking on the moon, their images completely vivid as though reflected in a mirror. 

After a while, the moon slowly dimmed. One of the disciples brought a lit candle and they saw the priest, once more manifest in the room sitting alone and the two guests gone. The remains of the meal were still on the table and the mirror like paper was still on the wall.

"Have you all had enough to drink?"The priest asked his disciples."Yes." they answered. The priest told them to go to bed early, so they wouldn't be late for their wood-cutting the next day. Full of wonder, Wang thought no more of leaving. 

Another month passed. Once again Wang found it hard to endure the daily grind and all that hardship, but he stubbornly refused to relent, for the priest still hadn't taught him any magic. One day Wang again approached the priest with his request:"I have been here for several months already. All I do is get up at daybreak to cut firewood and return at sunset. I never bore such hardship when I was at home."

"I predicted you wouldn't be able to stand it,” interjected the priest smiling, "You may as well go home tomorrow morning." 

Wang had a stubborn streak and would not give up so easily however, so he pleaded with the priest to teach him some small trick, any trick, to make it all worthwhile.

"Which one then?" asked the priest; nodding.

Wang had noticed that the priest could walk through walls and said that he would be content to know how to do that. The priest smiled and agreed. He taught Wang the spell and bade him to repeat it so he could walk through the wall. At first, Wang was hesitant; he dared not to make the bold move. “What if he got stuck inside the wall?” He envisioned horrifying images, with his head stuck outside or a foot while the torso was trapped within. The priest anticipating his fear smiled reassuringly and voiced his encouragement anew for him to try anyhow. Refusing to be a coward, Wang did as he was told and lo and, behold, passed through the wall unhindered. “Ye!!!!” Elated he turned around but he found himself outside the wall. 

Overjoyed, Wang raced around and went back in to thank the priest. The priest told him to be serious and not misuse the spell when he got home; otherwise, it wouldn't work. Wang promised to remain vigilant and thanked the priest for his instructions. Shortly after he took his leave and descended the mountain. 

When he got home, Wang boasted that he had met an immortal and learnt the art of passing through walls. His wife refused to believe him, so Wang repeated the spell the priest had taught him, backed away a few feet from the wall and ran straight at it.

Thugg!!! He hit his head hard at the wall! 

To Wang's surprise, the spell had lost its magic. He banged his head against the wall again and again, failing each time, and collapsed disoriented and almost unconscious, flat on the ground. When he got up a big bump, the size of an egg, started to swell up on his forehead.

His wife could not help herself and was doubled over with laughter. Wang’s face fell then grew dark, as he was consumed by shame and rage. Gnashing his teeth he inwardly cursed the old priest for his ingratitude and for the perceived betrayal.

Days and month’s passed with Wang incensed at the priest. Eventually reason took hold and he understood what had happened. With humility and longing he anew undertook the journey to visit the monastery. He followed the same paths and searched every corner of the mountain summit, all however without avail; for there was no trace of either the monastery, or the priest or the many novices.

Eventually he gave up and went back home but he was never the same. Often he would be seen as sitting outside in the garden, silent and staring at the moon. On occasion he would raise a cup to the moon and utter a silent prayer or a wish. 

The End

Hungry Ghost Period in 2018

Hungry Ghost Period in 2018

(August 11th - September 9th) 

Many people believe in the existence of ghosts. Furthermore, they believe that anyone who meets their end violently or is guilty of some crime or sin when they die, do not go to Heaven or Hell but rather get trapped as lost souls or ghosts in the Earthly Realm, preying on or disrupting the lives of vulnerable individuals. Those who have perished rather unexpectedly through accidents or catastrophe, particularly during this Hungry Ghost period, are also considered to have been taken away by Ghosts.

This is pretty scary, right? Wait, there is still more: During the Hungry Ghost time, which falls on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, the gates of Hell are supposedly opened wide allowing those other restless and spiteful spirits with their vendettas to escape into the Realm of the Living. Is it any wonder that superstitious folks are filled with such trepidation and dread during this time?

The night-time, early morning, and late night are considered a particularly vulnerable time and most dangerous as these vengeful ghosts and other evil spirits are at their most potent then.

To overcome this pervasive fear, perhaps to placate evil spirits and to ensure one’s safety, the Hungry Ghost period is generally transformed into a lively Festival: This is a time where prayers are offered and sacrificial ceremonies are conducted in temples. The burning of incense and Hell-money at the roadside and the decoration of houses and halls with bright lanterns present a pretty picture. And let us not forget the lively performances by the theatrical troupes in open air banquets or street festivals that draw in the big crowds. On the last day of the 7th lunar month, the Gates of the Underworld then are supposed to close, containing these malevolent spirits till next year.

To ensure further safety, here are few do and don’ts to follow:

In the Ghost Month, particularly in the dark hours, evil spirits may target children, senior citizens, and weak or sensitive people; therefore they are advised to remain indoors.

Also, it is advisable to avoid any risk by swimming in a body of water such as a pool, pond or the sea. And stay away from any supernatural acts or games. Why tempt fate?

For those that are superstitious, keep items, such as amulets, prayer beads, coarse salt, glutinous rice, crosses and lodestones close at hand as an added protection from evil spirits.

Be safe and have fun. 

Chung Kwei subdues  Devil

 

Infernal Regions

(Below is a classic story from the book of “Strange Tales from Make-Do Studio” by a Qing Dynasty writer, Pu Songling (1640 - 1715). Revised by BoSt) 

 

Hsi Fang P'ing, a native of Tung An, was an intelligent and hardworking youth who spent his long days helping his father to farm. On his scant spare time he buried his head in books to advance his learning. His father was a sincere and honest man well thought of by his neighbours; unfortunately however, he’d fallen on bad terms with a powerful rich man called Yang who happened to live in the same district. Yang had many bad attributes and delighted in hurting people; eventually his evil ways caught up with him and he died.

Several years after the death of Yang, old Hsi, who was actually robust for his age, suddenly succumbed to a mysterious illness. One day, in the throngs of high fever he suddenly sat up from his bed and cried out:"Yang has bribed the devils to beat me." Next instant he gave out a terrible scream, spat blood and collapsing, died. 

Hsi Fang P'ing, wowed to avenge his father, certain that his father had been killed by evil spirits. With full determination to go to the nether world and redress the injustice, he avoided all contact with others, virtually locked himself in his study and stopped eating and drinking. As he refused to light the stove for warmth, the bone chilling cold of winter and ravages of sleepless nights soon took its toll on him and his soul took flight from his emaciated body. It drifted high and escaping from chimney, floated over the fields and beyond, until it arrived in the nether world. 

 

Once in the nether world, Hsi Fang P'ing followed behind the group of newly deceased that were being led in chains towards a strange looking town. Separating from the group, he went to search the area, till he came across a holding prison. There, to his dismay, he saw his father lying in a yoke looking utterly miserable. When the old man looked up and saw his son, he wept bitterly and told Hsi Fang p'ing that the jailers had been bribed to beat him brutally and he was a mass of bruises. Hsi Fang P'ing cursed the jailers loudly. He took out a writing brush and wrote a complaint, and went straight to the town government to lodge an accusation. 

When Yang heard the news, he bought off all the officers in the town high and low, so the Town God paid no attention to Hsi Fang P'ing on the pretext that he had no evidence. Therefore, Hsi went to the prefecture government to protest. But his complaint was kept there for half a month and then sent back to the Town God. The Town God beat Hsi Fang P'ing and as he was not really dead, sent the youth back under escort to his own home. 

 

Hsi Fang P'ing refused to enter his home. As it so happens, by this time, his body had truly expired and he became a true spirit. Before he was hauled away however, he successfully freed himself from his captors, and snuck back to the Underworld. He traveled all the way to the capital of Hell, and there, cried loudly about his grievance in front of the Palace of Hell. The Town God and prefecture magistrate sent him a messenger, who promised to give him a thousand ounces of silver if he would withdraw his complaint, but again, Hsi refused. 

When Hsi entered the Palace Hall, he saw that the Yama was angry, and for no reason, he was flogged. Hsi cried:"What have I done wrong?"but the Yama turned a deaf ear to him. Flustered and exasperated, Hsi Fang P'ing shouted:"It's because I haven't got the money to bribe you!"This infuriated the Yama ,and he ordered that Hsi be scalded on a hot iron bed. 

Hsi's flesh was burned till it was black, and the Yama asked him whether he still wished to complain. Hsi replied:"Yes, my grievance is not yet redressed."Enraged, the Yama gave orders to cut Hsi's body in half with a saw. 

 

Two goblins seized Hsi Fang P'ing and began to saw him in half. Unable to stand the pain, Hsi promised the Yama that he would withdraw his complaint. 

The Yama ordered two goblins to sent Hsi Fang P'ing back to the earth. Hsi had learnt that the nether world was even more unjust than the world of man, and he could not appeal to the Jade Emperor. Yet, he knew the Second God in Kuan-k'o was both wise and just, so why not go to him? On his way to Kuan-k'o, he was set upon by devils and captured. He was carried to some other cottage where he was reincarnated as a baby. 

Hsi Fang-p'ing cried and cried and would not take any milk, and finally died three days after his birth. His soul then went in search of Kuan-k'o. He had walked quite a ways, when suddenly he saw a group of men of horseback accompanying a God. It was the Second God returning from his tour of inspection. Hsi Fang P'ing hastened to kneel down before him and told him his story.

The Second God questioned Hsi and then ordered him to follow them to Kuan-k'o and wait outside the government office for trial. Once in Kuan-k'o,Hsi Fang-P'ing was called into a courtroom, where he saw the Yama, the prefecture magistrate, the Town God and the goblins in cages. Now his father and Yang stood before the Second God awaiting justice. 

 

The Second God looking up finally announced his judgement:"The Yama and the officers have violated the law and accepted bribes, and they will all be punished. Yang was rich and heartless. He used his wealth and power to buy off gods, goblins and others to do evil for his own aim. The stink of his money has fouled the whole nether world and filled the Palace of Hell with darkness. Therefore for this, his house shall be searched and his property confiscated and given to Hsi Fang P'ing to reward him for his bravery and determination." 

 

Thus, the wrong done to old Hsi and his son Hsi Fang-P'ing was redressed. The Second God ordered the father and son back to earth, and the Hsi family restored to life, lived happily ever after.

The End.

The Paths to Heaven and Hell

The Paths to Heaven and Hell 

A soldier named Nobushige, clad in tattered gear and sporting weaponry worse for wear, brazenly forced his way to see Hakuin, and finding him reposed in contemplation with an ancient book loudly and intrusively demanded: "Is there really a paradise and a hell?"

"Who are you?" Without looking up, Hakuin voiced his inquiry. 

"I am a samurai," the warrior sticking his chest out proudly, responded.

"You, a samurai!" Hakuin half looking up grunted. "What kind of ruler would have you as his guard?” Hakuin shook his head. “You resemble more a beggar." 

Once a proud warrior, Nobushige was highly incensed and so started to draw his sword, but Hakuin impassively simply added: "So you have a sword! Your weapon is probably much too dull to cut off my head."

The outraged Nobushige now brandishing his sword, poised to strike Hakuin. 

Still composed, Hakuin simply remarked: "Here open the gates of hell!"

At these words the samurai, perceiving the master's discipline, sheathed his sword and bowed, somewhat ashamed.

"Here open the gates of paradise," Hakuin uttered, with a calm voice and an almost imperceptible smile. 

Fin

The Distinguished Man

The Distinguished Man

Tzu Chung asked: What must a man do in order to be considered, distinguished?

The Master said: What do you mean by the term, distinguished? 

Tzu Chung replied: I mean one whose fame fills both his own private circle and the state at large. 

The master said: That is notoriety, not distinction. The man of true distinction is simple, honest, and a lover of justice and duty. He weighs men’s words and observes the expression of their faces. He is anxious to put himself below others. Such a one is truly distinguished in his private and his public life.

As to the man who is merely much talked about, he puts on an appearance of charity and benevolence, but his actions belie it. He is self-satisfied and has no misgivings. Neither in private nor in public life does he achieve more than notoriety. 

Fin

Marriage Customs and some old Superstitions

Marriage Customs and some old Superstitions

PHOTO-DOMINIC LIPINSKI-AFP-GETTY IMAGES

The big event this month was Meghan Markle’s and Prince Harry's Royal Wedding on May 15, 2018. The nuptial excitement will carry on to June and further as many would be brides will have their turn at their big day. 

Lubomirski-Kensington Palace- via AP

The month of June is usually associated with weddings and though many may not know this, the key determination in selecting this month comes all the way back from Roman times and their mythology. Briefly told, June was the month dedicated to Juno, the wife of Jupiter, the ancient Romans’ ultimate deity. Because of this association, she was regarded as the patroness of marriage, and also, the protector of women. On the other hand, the month of May is considered an unlucky marriage month. Oops!!!! Hope that won’t be the case for our new favorite Royal couple; we all certainly wish them nothing but ultimate bliss in their future married life. 

PHOTO-DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS-AFP-GETTY IMAGES

But I digress; here are some light hearted references to many of the old customs and superstitions of, chiefly English, marriage ceremonies which some of you may or may not know.

For starters, the word “wed” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon and means “Pledge,” appropriately so, since the ceremony consists of two parties (bride and groom’s) pledging or promising to love and abide by certain rules, to ensure a happy outcome. 

PHOTO- WPA POOL-GETTY IMAGES

This solemn occasion over the years has also given rise to some symbolic acts to ensure good fortune and to avert any ill omens; these undertakings had their origins from conventional superstitions.

One can marry any day of the week, though Sunday and Monday are not popular. The preference is often given to Wednesday or Saturday. Friday has evil associations for Christians (because Jesus was crucified on that day and also that was the day Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit). On the other hand, to the Norsemen Friday was the luckiest day of the week, being named after Odin’s wife Frea. It is interesting to note that the Ancient Romans had dedicated Friday to Venus, the goddess of beauty and worldly love.

To ensure wedded bliss, in English Victorian times the bridal trousseau (excluding the gown), was sewn by the bride herself. The bridal gown was usually made by her close friends. As they completed this requisite, they would sew a strand or few hairs from their head into the hem or some of the folds to hasten the time of their own matrimony. 

Meghan Markle's stunning Bivenchy wedding dress

PHOTO-ANDREW MATTHEWS- AP

The colour most preferred for the dress is white (in Canada, Europe, America etc.) as it is the emblem of purity, candour and simplicity. The veil (made to cover the bride’s face completely during the ceremony). 

PHOTO-GARETH FULLER-AP

The veil when worn by the ancient Roman and Greek brides, was instead, yellow. Red was the preferred choice in Old China, as the symbol of life, the blood is red. Blue is considered a fortunate colour for lovers as the rhythm goes: “Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue.”

Green unfortunately is associated with ill luck, so it should be avoided. The wearing of “Orange-blossom” was introduced from France in 1820, as the white blossoms stood for innocence, while the Cherry tree represents fruitfulness. Similarly “the Chaplet of flowers” worn on head and the bouquet the brides hold, symbolize abundance and prosperity.

On the wedding day if the bride awakens to the sounds of singing birds, this bodes that she and her husband will never quarrel and furthermore, remain forever constant to one another. To spot a spider on the bridal gown or veil denotes wealth and plenty.

Before leaving the house the bride must be careful to add something to her apparel, such as gloves, for good luck. 

The Bride must avoid shedding tears before the wedding as it not an auspicious thing to do. On the way to be married, it is fortunate if the bride sees a toad, dove or spider. Bride must enter the church with a right foot first and try not to stumble, for it is considered an omen of evil. 

-PHOTO- OWEN COOBAN-BRITISH MINISTRY OF DEFENCE-HANDOUT EPA-EFE

The Pageboys helped her with her train - PHOTO BEN STANSALL,AFP- GETTY IMAGES

PHOTO-DANNY LAWSON -AP

Surprise, surprise! The bridegroom is not constrained with as many superstitions. The important thing for him to remember is that, he must not see his bride in her bridal clothes on the day of the wedding before that is, she meets him at the alter or before the ceremony is about to take place. Therefore, he must keep his back turned while she is coming up the aisle. 

 Groom arrives at the church in military attire--PHOTO-JANE BARLOW-AFP-GETTY IMAGES5

PHOTO-BRIAN LAWLESS-AFP-GETTY IMAGES

PHOTO DOMINIC LIPINSKI-AP

Also, once he has set out for the church, the bridegroom must not turn back; if he has forgotten something, another person, such as the best man must be sent to fetch it.

His groomsmen are from the times when marriage was made by capture, and he needed this sturdy bunch to assist him in seizing the maiden from the midst of her people.

Take care not to drop the ring, and place it as far down as possible when putting it on bride’s finger. A failure of this would portend of an early parting. If the bride has to assist him in putting on the ring, it will mean that it will be she who rules the home.

A promise is made by the ring, the plain gold or platinum circlet, which symbolizes their never-ending love and devotion. The third finger of the left hand on which the ring is placed, is believed to have a delicate nerve in it that directly links it to the heart. 

Prince Harry and bride Meghan Markle May 19, 2018

After the ceremony is completed the bride and bridegroom are showered by the confetti or rice. The throwing of rice was derived from an Indian custom connected with throwing of wheat ears which was once also practiced in good Old England. It’s another symbolic act meant to ensure fruitfulness and plenty for the wedded couple. 

PHOTO-OWEN COOBAN-BRITISH MINISTRY OF DEFENCE-VIA-EFE

PHOTO- GARETH FULLER, AP

Confetti is preferred over rice because it’s less dangerous to the face and eyes, and also does not harm the pigeons who often dine on it. 

Typical of Wedding Cake

The wedding cake has its origins in the days of Old Roman Empire. Back then the cake however was made of flour, water and salt, a far cry from the elaborately ornamented, several layered icing confection of today. The couple partakes of it, for the act ensures that they would never know want. You must eat a slice of wedding-cake; to refuse it means you do not wish the bride and groom well. 

Celebratory Drink

There is another superstition that the health of the bride must be drunk in sprits such as champagne, wine, beer etc. To drink instead, a soft- drink or water will bring the newlyweds an ill fortune and troubles.

After the ceremony, the bridesmaids compete to catch the bouquet thrown by the bride, for it means that they will be next. Bride usually throws the bouquet over her head as she stands with her back to the gathered bachelorettes.

At the end of the celebrations sometimes when the bride is leaving to prepare for the honeymoon, she’ll throw one of her shoes over her left shoulder, the one that catches it will be the next to marry. 

Dress from designer Stella McCartney- Photo by Steve Parsons- Ap

Prince Harry and bride Meghan Markle- Photo by SteveParsons- Ap

The term “honeymoon” comes from the time when for thirty days they celebrated the wedding, with bridegroom and bride taking part in the revelry, by drinking mead- a beverage made from honey.

Nearing the end of the festivities, and the bride withdraws to have a change of clothes. She must take care to remove all the pins which were used in her marriage gown or veil and give it to a friend to be thrown away. Should any of it is re-used on her going- away attire, it would bring ill luck and the honeymoon will not be so happy.

The throwing of the old shoes at the newlyweds, or attaching one to the car in which they drive away, had its origins from Anglo-Saxon times, when the father of the bride gave her shoe to the bridegroom, who touched her with it on the head as the symbol of his authority. Some claim the throwing of a shoe is from the times when marriage was done by force and the bride was abducted.

The newlyweds should take care not to break anything during their honeymoon. She may now wear green, for at this point it will bring her good fortune and abundant love.

Upon returning home, there’s an ancient custom where boiling water is poured over the threshold before the bride enters the house. A Scottish custom dictates that the bride should be carried across the threshold of her new home while her new mother-in-law breaks shortbread over her head. In some countries it is considered lucky of the new bride placed dough on the door of her house, symbolizing that in future she’s to be the housekeeper. In Ireland a cake made of oats is broken over the wife’s head in order to ensure that the married couple will never know want.

Modern times have embraced many other colorful customs and traditions. Creativity plays big part with many weddings. The centre theme however never varied: and that is the union of two loving hearts. After a big hurrah the newlyweds embark on a wonderful journey together. This has stayed the same throughout the ages so long as civilizations last. 

Royal wedding portrait features Pr. Harry and Duches Meghan --PHOTO-ALEXI LUBOMIRSKI,KENSINGTON

Royal wedding portrait features Pr. Harry and Duches Meghan and their parents --PHOTO-ALEXI LUBOMIRSKI,KENSINGTON

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