The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-06-24

A CHINESE DsNEa PARrY.-When a Chinese invites
TO ceremonous dinner large red paper is several
days before the time. On this is written the invitation,
in the poi,esl of the language On the day before
the feast another invitation is sent TO the guests
coIored paper, TO remind them OF H. and TO ascertain
whether they are coming. Again on the next day. a
short time before The hour appointed the invitation is
peaed, 10 inform them that the feast is prepared and
awaits them. When the guests are assembled, the first
thing presented is almond milk, in large cups.
Every table is served with exactly the food, and
the nunber OF dishes, at and the
Only four FIVE persons sill each table in very FASH
ionable houses than two three, The tables
re mostly made OF polished ebony SuIat back wood
and double for they tabe-cloths the upper
table is removed with all that is it, al the end OF the
first course give place 10 the second For the end Of
the first course, the tables laid out with chop sticks
wine cups, China ware, enameed spoons or stands,
and two little plates, with fruits mute, &c Several
small cold dishes, such dry sailed fish, sherd fine and
made into laad. with mushrooms &c, are spread over
the board, only leaving 10 the centre for a cup
about the size OF breakfast cup The dinner now COM
mences and all the wine cups filled with s,D hsrg
fsoDa weak, calculated liquor, distilled from mil!e
seed and is always drank holland the master of the
feast rises, well all The guests; be holds The wine
cup in both hands, saluting them with it, after which
they all drink together and at down again. cup with
hot food is now served in the centre OF every table
AIter mas Deen Hnlsbel lDe table
is removed and the table remaining spread with spoons
wine cups chopslieks, vinegar, soy, and sauce
with some plates Of sliced radlshes, pears, oranges
and various other fruits and vegetables. placed be.
fore each persons and all the large fruits are sliced
as well as the vegetables. While The second course
is preparing, those who tired OF sitting rise and
walk about the room. The second table being pre-
pared the guests are all seated again, when bros
nest soup-be mos, expensive and The greatest Dell
icacy Chinese can ofer--is served up, with pig.
cons ployes eggs floating upon il, 10 each person.
When entertaining any of The high constituted authori-
es, the master puts the first dish Of the second coufse
on each table HIMSELF as II brough, in by the servants
After all, tea is served up in covered cups as before
descnbed-on The leaves, and without milk or sugar
and thus closes the entertainment. On the day follow.
ing the least the host sends large red paper TO each OF
the guests, apologzng for the badness OF the dinner
and they answer him on the sor OF paper expres-
sing the most exalted and eyiravsgant terms the pleas
ure and unbounded satisfaction his feast has afforded
them The piatsed nation ia everything are unlike
any other people, though doubtless under all this
show OF polieness is hidden equal amount OF dupc
~ and discrimination elsewhere be found. The
Chinese customs evoce much that is hollow. hearted In
their social relations Tour IN Cttnd.