Marriage-feasts

1 definition found

From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary [easton]:

  Marriage-feasts
     (John 2:1-11) "lasted usually for a whole week; but the cost of
     such prolonged rejoicing is very small in the East. The guests
     sit round the great bowl or bowls on the floor, the meal usually
     consisting of a lamb or kid stewed in rice or barley. The most
     honoured guests sit nearest, others behind; and all in eating


     dip their hand into the one smoking mound, pieces of the thin
     bread, bent together, serving for spoons when necessary. After
     the first circle have satisfied themselves, those lower in
     honour sit down to the rest, the whole company being men, for
     women are never seen at a feast. Water is poured on the hands
     before eating; and this is repeated when the meal closes, the
     fingers having first been wiped on pieces of bread, which, after
     serving the same purpose as table-napkins with us, are thrown on
     the ground to be eaten by any dog that may have stolen in from
     the streets through the ever-open door, or picked up by those
     outside when gathered and tossed out to them (Matt. 15:27; Mark
     7:28). Rising from the ground and retiring to the seats round
     the walls, the guests then sit down cross-legged and gossip, or
     listen to recitals, or puzzle over riddles, light being scantily
     supplied by a small lamp or two, or if the night be chilly, by a
     smouldering fire of weeds kindled in the middle of the room,
     perhaps in a brazier, often in a hole in the floor. As to the
     smoke, it escapes as it best may; but indeed there is little of
     it, though enough to blacken the water or wine or milk skins
     hung up on pegs on the wall. (Comp. Ps. 119:83.) To some such
     marriage-feast Jesus and his five disciples were invited at Cana
     of Galilee." Geikie's Life of Christ. (See {CANA}.)