Amongst the Greeks are commonly found artisans of different sorts, but especially masons and carpenters ; and those who do not occupy themselves in the gardens, or at seasons when their work there is not required, always find employment in the towns as builders, &c. It is acommon thing to see the Greek men engaged in making worsted, or knitting stockings: an effeminate occupation this, and a strong contrast to the noble games which once excited their ardour and engaged their pursuit. The women are extremely dirty in their houses and in their persons : in two villages near us, I never found any of the Greek cottages that induced me, either by itsown appearance or that of its mistress, to be a frequent visitor, while I was often a daily attendant at one or other of the Tatar cottages. The little they have of furniture is in the Tatar style ; but the black aspect of their smoked walls seems to accord with every thing around them ; and the mother, with uncombed locks and unwashed hands, cannot rank amongst her possessions, or those of her husband, the comfort of a clean hearth, or the charms of order and neatness. His dirty children may, perhaps, welcome his return home as warmly as others, and he possibly finds no misery in that to which habit has reconciled him.
The women wear the Turkish habit, even to the veil ; they are dark in complexion, with intelligent dark eyes ; they stain their hair and eye-brows black, and the hair is braided, and hangs down the back as a Tatar woman's. The Greek merchants, however, and their wives and families, dress in the European style ; while the men among the peasantry retain the ancient Greek costume, and are immediately distinguishable by their dress. The turban worn by the men is very becoming, and they pride themselves uponhaving ithandsome, nay even costly ; and a Turkish shawl is often the ornament of the head, when the rest of the dress is by no means correspondent. A shawl is likewise worn by some around the waist ; and the well-dressed Greek becomes his attire^ for they are fine handsome men, and though not generally above middle stature, are more than usually strong and powerful, and are remarkable forbeing able to lift and carry great weights. I have seen the Greek boys mount a ladder, with a quantity of stones on their backs, which our porters would think no inconsiderable burden.
The Greek children are early betrothed, and the marriage formed upon motives of policy by the parents,which the children, I believe, seldom refuse to ratify, since they marry at too early an age to have an opinion on the subject, or, at least, to be likely to feel influenced by any considerate motives themselves; it is therefore so far well that the discretionary power is in the hands of those who are likely to exercise it with more judgment; and as to the feelings which a refined sensibility produces here, they are not expected to be found. At the timeaGreek girl is affianced, the father ofthe intended bridegroom makes presents to his daughter-in-law, or to her father, in proportion to his circumstances ; and he is bound to aid, according to his means, in providing for the young couple. At fourteen, and I have heard sometimes even at twelve, the girls are married ; and at sixteen or seventeen the boy takes upon him man's estate, and becomes master ofa family.
The Greek weddings in the Crimea are a mixed ceremony, partaking of their own gayer forms, and also ofthe Tatar ceremonials. The bride, deeply veiled, is conducted to her new abode, with as many carriages and attendants as they have the power of mustering : yet she is allowed to join the dance with the gay companions the marriage-feast has called together.
The day after the wedding, she is destined to the form of standing in one corner of the room, not appearing as an English bride, the object of affection, and the centre to which all the kind wishes of her friends are attracted, but rather, that of rude curiosity, and more like the school-girl, who, having transgressed, is set as the mark of derision and observation, for the advantage of her companions. I know not if the bride be enjoined so long a silence as that of eight days, which is spoken of by Dr. Hunt, in his briefaccount of a Greek wedding, but certain it is, that she is destined to stand a silent statue, as long as the people chuse to come to stare at her : when I have been present, I was always glad to get leave for the dance to begin (the romaika), which was much the best part of the ceremony.
I had no opportunity of seeing a Greek wedding in Kaffa, but I have no doubt they are conducted on more civilized principles in the towns. Pallas has given a description of this kind ; though for the most part their native customs are probably broken in upon by the different usages of the nations amongst whom they are residing.