ABSTRACT
For Santal parents, the marriage of a boy or girl is a major crisis in the family. It is not only that a suitable partner must be carefully chosen and the boy or girl coaxed into willing acceptance. If the boy and girl are submissive, if the entertainment is generous, if everything is done with calm efficiency, the parents will win general esteem. The first step is the appointment of a matchmaker. This envoy is usually an old and respected friend, who represents either of the two families. When the matchmaker has been chosen, his or her first task is to scour the neighbourhood for a suitable girl. When he has been briefed, the matchmaker selects a family and first secures their agreement to consider the proposal. Once the ‘viewing of the household’ has been completed, the families decide whether to perform the wedding quickly or allow some time to elapse.
