This site requires Javascript to be turned on. Please enable Javascript and reload the page.

Something Old and Something New: Illustrating Spousal Ceremonies in "Religious Ceremonies of the Known World" Main Menu Spousal Ceremonies: An Introduction More on "Religious Ceremonies of the Known World" The "Idolatrous Peoples" of America Middle Eastern and Asian Spousal Ceremonies Western Europe and Armenia: Europe I Anglicans and Ankara: Europe II

Samí Marriage

This page has annotations:

The candle lit to celebrate the couple's new life. Aine O'Connor
Contents of this annotation:
1. Samí Marriage
The priest, who presdides over the wedding and gives a benediction. Aine O'Connor
Contents of this annotation:
1. Samí Marriage
The bride's family consults with her. Aine O'Connor
Contents of this annotation:
1. Samí Marriage
Translation: Marriage of the Laplanders (Samí). Aine O'Connor
Contents of this annotation:
1. Samí Marriage
The bride. Aine O'Connor
Contents of this annotation:
1. Samí Marriage
These Samí people are Christian, meaning they go to church in order to get married. Aine O'Connor
Contents of this annotation:
1. Samí Marriage

This page is referenced by:

Weddings of the "Laplanders" (Samí) The Samí are entirely out of place in this volume of Bernard and Picart’s book, at least by modern standards. Also known as Laplanders, the Samí mostly live in Scandinavia and Russia, and, as Bernard writes, “the riches of their country consist in reindeers.” Yet, Bernard places them here perhaps because they also don’t seem to fit anywhere else—not in continental Europe, not in the New World, and not amongst Jews or Catholics. They are distinctively different, a unique culture near the top of the world. According to Bernard, men base most of their courtships off of finding the woman who has the most and the most valuable reindeer.

The Marks of Love: Gift-giving is an important part of Samí marriage culture. The onus is especially on the groom to bring presents not just for the potential bride, but for all of her relations as well. On his first visit, he brings brandy, or “the wine of welcome,” to convince the family he is worthy of their daughter. Later, he will bring the gift of “reindeer tongues.” In return, he and the potential bride may “salute each other with an affectionate kiss, and a sanguine squeeze of their noses.” These gifts continue, for both the bride and her family, up to the day of the wedding ceremony.
The Reluctant Bride: Picart illustrates a bride who needs convincing. Her family gestures to her, seemingly offering advice on why she should get married to the man beside her. Bernard writes, “when [the priest] comes to the important question [vows] to which the bride is to answer YES, by her silence, she would seemingly decline giving her assent; her relations, however, not only advise her, but are importunate with her to speak the decisive word.” Without the bride’s consent, the marriage cannot be valid. This is true power for a woman of the time period.
Gallery of Engravings