[288]. The music is generally of a very rude kind; and the airs usually played are those of popular songs; specimens of which will be found in this work.
[289]. For a description of these ornaments, see the Appendix.
[290]. One of the most common of the feats witnessed on such an occasion is the performance of a laborious task by a water-carrier, termed a “keiyim,” who, for the sake of a present, and this empty title, carries a water-skin filled with sand and water, of greater weight, and for a longer period, than any of his brethren will venture to do; and this he must accomplish without ever sitting down, except in a crouching position, to rest. In the case of a bridal procession which I lately witnessed, the keiyim began to carry his burden, a skin of sand and water weighing about two hundred pounds, at sunset of the preceding day; bore it the whole night, and the ensuing day, before and during the procession, and continued to do so till sunset.
[291]. A correct description of this is given in Burckhardt’s “Arabic Proverbs,” pp. 115, 116.
[292]. Grand zeffehs are sometimes accompanied by a number of cars, each bearing a group of persons of some manufacture or trade performing the usual work of their craft; even such as builders, white-washers, etc.; including members of all, or almost all, the arts and manufactures practised in the metropolis.
[293]. Hence this kind of prayer is called “salah memáleekeeyeh,” or “the prayer of memlooks.”
[294]. Sometimes, when the parties are persons of wealth, the bride is displayed before the bridegroom in different dresses, to the number of seven.
[295]. I beg to refer the reader, if he desire further details on this subject, to page 117 of Burckhardt’s “Arabic Proverbs.” His account might have been more complete; but he seems to have studied to be particularly concise in this case.
[296]. Kur-án, chap. lxi., ver. 13.
[297]. A khäwal is also called “gháïsh”; plural, “gheeyásh.”