Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1854-04-05
Japan aud the Jap anese.


In their social and domestic life the Japan.
csc are truly ASiatic. Their females occupy
but a subordinate position. though they
arc permitted to share in all the innocent
recreations of their husbands and faith
erS, arc not held in such jealous secIusion
as in some parts of India. Their minds
are cultivated with as much care as is be
slowed upon the education of the men,
and the literature OF the country boasts OF
many female names. They are lively
and agreeable companions, and are
much celebrated for the ease and Gle
gance Of their manners. With all these
privileges which they enjoy, they are yet
in state Of total dependence and poly
gamy, and the power of divorce is indul-
ged in to the extreme by the husbands
Children are brought up in habits of i'm =
plicit obedience, and all ofevery rank are
sent TO school. where they are learned to
read and write. Beyond this degree of
education, however, the children of the
rich are instructed in morals, and the
whole art Of good behavior, including the
mlnutest forms Of etiquette. Arithme-
tic and the science of the almanac, form
another important portion of their educa-
gree diSgraceful TO commence any impor-
tant undertaking on an unlucky day.
And last, as the finishing study they are
initiated into the mysteries Of the Har XII
ri, literally meaning happy despatch, !"
but which is in reality, the mode of self
destruction, by which every Japanese of
distinction feels bound to resort, upon the
occasions where his life is at stake from
any impending penalty.
At the aye Of fifteen years the boys
have their heads shaved, and they then
become members of society. They also
receive new name at this time and in
variably, upon every advance in rank the
old cOgnOmcn is changed for new one
Nor are these the only occasions when
this change takes place no subaltern is
allowed TO bear the same name with
his chief, and therefore when an in.
dlVidual is appointed to high station,
every one under him who chances to BE-
his namesake, must Immediately find and
adopt new name.
In marrying, equality Of rank between
the contracting parties is the first require
ment, and when no obstacle of this sort
staudS in the way, the youth declares his
P'1SS'O'' y otIoSbAlS u hIdnCn OIL a GER
tain shrub to the house of The Young la
dy's parents. Ii this is neglected, so is
his suit; if it is accepted, SO is the lover;
and if the damsel wishes to put her recip-
roCity Of this offer beyond doubt, she
forthwith blackens her teeth. Presents,
as amongst most oriental nations, are now
exchanged, and after, with great cere-
mony, burning her toys, to indicate that
she is no longer childish, she is presented
by her parents with marriage dress and
some articles of household furniture,
among which are always a spinning
wheel, loom, and the culinary imple-
ments required in japanese kitchen.-
All this bridal equipment is conveyed
IN great state to the bridegroom's house,
wedding.
~ A person in England, lately ruma
glng among his family documents, found
written on the back of an old deed some
words indicatipp that a not of oold ,yLs ~;