Alexandr talks about Roma people who came to his village and about how Kalmyks do matchmaking: Just before the deportation of the Kalmyks, several Roma people came to our village. They were clad poorly and were very thin. They stole flour, bread and cows from the villagers. When the Germans came, they took eggs only. Before arranging a wedding, the groom’s side tries to learn as much as possible about the potential bride. They enquire about what their friends and acquaintances know about the girl. Sometimes the groom’s side sends a person to the girl’s house to learn about her upbringing and whether she is hardworking. Only after that the two sides do matchmaking rituals. Any matchmaking consists of several stages. The groom’s side brings with them gifts and vodka to the bride’s house. During the meeting the two sides discuss the wedding. The wedding itself is headed and managed by men.