Marriage-feasts
   (John 2:1-11) "lasted usually for a whole week; but the cost of
   such prolonged rejoicing is very small in the East. The guests
   sit round the great bowl or bowls on the floor, the meal usually
   consisting of a lamb or kid stewed in rice or barley. The most
   honoured guests sit nearest, others behind; and all in eating
   dip their hand into the one smoking mound, pieces of the thin
   bread, bent together, serving for spoons when necessary. After
   the first circle have satisfied themselves, those lower in
   honour sit down to the rest, the whole company being men, for
   women are never seen at a feast. Water is poured on the hands
   before eating; and this is repeated when the meal closes, the
   fingers having first been wiped on pieces of bread, which, after
   serving the same purpose as table-napkins with us, are thrown on
   the ground to be eaten by any dog that may have stolen in from
   the streets through the ever-open door, or picked up by those
   outside when gathered and tossed out to them (Matt. 15:27; Mark
   7:28). Rising from the ground and retiring to the seats round
   the walls, the guests then sit down cross-legged and gossip, or
   listen to recitals, or puzzle over riddles, light being scantily
   supplied by a small lamp or two, or if the night be chilly, by a
   smouldering fire of weeds kindled in the middle of the room,
   perhaps in a brazier, often in a hole in the floor. As to the
   smoke, it escapes as it best may; but indeed there is little of
   it, though enough to blacken the water or wine or milk skins
   hung up on pegs on the wall. (Comp. Ps. 119:83.) To some such
   marriage-feast Jesus and his five disciples were invited at Cana
   of Galilee." Geikie's Life of Christ. (See CANA.)