But the Icelanders do not mind this.

They all kissed the priest, and the priest kissed them; and then they kissed each other, till the kissing seemed to have no end.

Rank is not considered in this ceremony; and I was not a little surprised to see how my guide, a common farm-labourer, kissed the six daughters of a judge, or the wife and children of a priest, or a judge and the priest themselves, and how they returned the compliment without reserve.

Every country has its peculiar customs! The religious ceremonies generally begin about noon, and last two or three hours.

There being no public inn in which to assemble, and no stable in which the horses can be fastened, all flock to the open space in front of the church, which thus becomes a very animated spot.