r they would look for it.[14] In the county of
Modica the mother selected the future daughter-in-law by trial. She went
to one of the young girls of the neighborhood, and if she found her busy
the matter was settled: if idle, she went home again, repeating three
times the word _abrenuntio_, Sicilianized as well as possible.[15]

The memorandum above mentioned, written, according to traditional usage,
by some one for this particular occasion, is sent wrapped up in a silk
handkerchief which belongs by right to the young man. As soon as the
memorandum is sent and accepted the announcement of the engagement or
the betrothal takes place. On this occasion the relatives of the parties
are present, and at the proper moment one of the parents of the young
girl announces in a solemn tone the future marriage, and makes known the
time (generally it is a matter of years) which will elapse before it is
celebrated. Everything is religiously accepted by the guests and the
interested parties, and after congratulations have been offered a
banquet or supper (technically termed _trattamento_, "entertainment")
takes place, in which a sort of fried pastry called _sfincuini_ plays an
important part, accompanied by filberts, almonds and chestnuts. The
whole is washed down by copious draughts of wine.

The manner in which the betrothal is celebrated is sometimes very
curious. At Salaparuta, in the province of Trapani, the girl takes her
place in the centre of the room: her future mother-in-law then enters
and parts her hair, places a ring on her finger, gives her a
handkerchief and kisses her. At Assaro, in the province of Catania, the
young man presents his betrothed with a red ribbon, which she braids
into her hair as a sign of her betrothal, and does not leave off until
the wedding. This custom is observed in many places in Sicily, and is
called the _'nzingata_ (from _'nzinga_, "sign"). In the county of Modica
the girl is veiled in a broad white veil, tied under the chin with a
purple ribbon. This custom of the ribbon (also called '_ntrizzaturi_,
"head-dress") often takes the place of the formal proposal and
announcement of the betrothal. In a popular song a young man in making
love to a girl offers her a red ribbon, which is the same as offering
her his hand.[16] As soon as the betrothal has taken place, the _fiance_
must think at once about a present for his _fiancee_. This varies, of
course, according to the ability and taste of the giver