| The Beggar's Lunch
Among Christians, a lavish feast called the Beggar's lunch or Bhick Reamfevon
is held a day or two before the wedding day, preferably on a Tuesday.
Seven or nine poor people, both men and women are invited to a sumptuous
lunch with pork, beef, fish, rice and a curry of a special type
called 'samrachi koddi'. They squat on the floor mat and specially
prepared jack fruit tree leaves, well plaited into plates, are placed
before them into which food is served or ladled out by the bride
and groom at each one's place of residence. The intention behind the service
is to feed and satisfy the ancestors on this important occasion in their
house through the medium of these beggars. Coconut oil is also given
for their hair and a bidi
or cigarette, according to the preference expressed by them. They are
also given a sweet dish of gram dal
and soji a sweet composed of wheat preparation and bananas. Instead of
coconut-feni, a sweet wine could also be served to them.
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