2-979-710 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Marriage Procession in Manilla, 1857. Scene in '...the Philippines, whose delicious climate, luxuriant vegetation, friendly inhabitants, and hospitable merchants, make it the most delightful place in the East...I saw a marriage procession this morning for the first time, such events not occurring every day here. A band of music, playing the jolliest air I have heard for a long time, preceded the lady, who wore a straw hat with three feathers under it; the veil is worn all over the head as at mass; splendid pina camisa, tapis of glorious stripes, and such a dress! On each side of her walked two girls likewise veiled, but without hats; their dresses scarcely less gorgeous than Madame's. As for the bridegroom, heaven only knows where he was, I don't; I suppose he was among the gentlemen in shirts in the rear, as women never walk with men here, at least not Indians'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.