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THE WEDDING OF A PRINCESS. 297
the cup, sips from it three times, and the tower of
and refilled.
cups is then passed to the bridegroom
He likewise drinks three times and puts the empty
cup under the third. The bride again sips thrice
from the upper cup. The groom does the same, and
places the empty cup beneath the second. Again
the bride sips three times, and the bridegroom does
the same, and they are man and wife they are
married. This ceremony is called san-san-kurdo, or
"three times three are nine."
Like a wedding at once auspicious and illustrious,
the nuptials of Kiku and Fujimaro passed off without
one misstep or incident of ill omen. In the
dressing-room and in the hall of ceremony Kiku's
self-possessed demeanor was admired by
all. After
drinking the sacramental wine she lifted her silken
hood, not too swiftly or nervously, and smiled blushiugly
on her lord. The marriage ceremony over,
both bride and groom retired to their respective
dressing-rooms. Kiku exchanged her white dress
for one of more elaborate design and of a lavender
color. The groom removed his stiffly starched ceremonial
robes and appeared in dress of crimson and
white. Meanwhile liquid refreshments had been
served to the parents, bridesmaids, friends, and
maid-servants.
The wine-cup is passed around, and the friends of
both houses drink to the health of the bride and the
groom. There are not many cups, and even these
are so small as to hold scarcely three thimblefuls;
but there are tureens full of water, in which the