Weekly Trinity journal., 1869-11-20
CALIFORNIA, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 90 1863.
Bundling-The Old style of Courtship.

Perhaps no antique custom has led to more
historical dispute and literary controversy than
that which prevailed at an early date among the
original settlers in certain portions of this
try, known by the euphonious title of "bund-
lng'-by which was designated the practice
among lovers of different sexes of occupying the
same couch at night during the period of their
courship This singular, and, in modern esti-
nation decidedly vulgar practice, was probably
imported with other social peculiarities from
Ireland and Wales, where it long prevailed
among the poorer peasantry, and was supposed
to have originated in desire to avoid the ex
pense of main tanning fires upon the hearth dur
ing the long hours in which parties pasSionately
affected chose to remain in company. DR..
Henry Reed Stiles, in his g History and Geneal-
ogies of Ancient Wnsor, Connecticut" having
mentioned the prevalence of this habit among
the first settlers of that section, was severely
taken to task by their descendants who consid-
cred the assertion an imputation most unfavora-
BILE to their family honor. In selfdefense, and
in proof of the historical veracity of his original
statements, he has prepared a smart, lively mon
ograph, which has ust been issued from the
press of Joel Munsell, in this city, under the
title g Bundling its Origin, Progress and De-
cline in America" The New England pioneers
did not originate the custom, but took it it
was transmitted to them by the parent stocks in
the world, from which they sprung. When the
Romans occupied the British Isles, it was al
ready in vogue, and led to statement by histo-
rians who accompanied Casar, that the natives
held their women in common. Later it became
the rule for man and woman to agree to live
together for a year. If, during that time child
was born, the union became permanent; il not,
either party was at liberty to dissolve it. This
style of wedlock, which was termed " hand-fast-
ening," prevailed until the time of James vi,
of Scotland, and from the result of abundance Of
bastards originated many border wars and quar-
rels and clans, the effects of which are expert
enced to this day. In Wales, a lover calling
upon the object of his passions, would secure
admission by tapping three times at the window.
bed of rushes was made down, upon which
they reposed under heavy coverets, continuing
their conversation until morning. No shame at
tached to the act, and travellers within recent
period mention seeing young couples thus ar
range themselves in their presence, and that o.
other visitors, as if without the least idea that
their behavior would be unfavorably thought of.
Yet, notwithstanding this general tolerance, q
gread deal of immortality may doubtedly be at
tributed to the habit, and it has very naturally
encountered strenuous opposition from the
clergy and from all reforming agencies. In Hol-
land similar practice prevails, under the name
of "quee ting 1t was referred 10 in o work
written by Hon. Henry G. Murphy, State
Senator formerly Minister to the Hague, who
furnishes DR.. Stiles an interesting note on the
subject In former times entire absence of
clothing was allowed but modern civilization
is more particular. In some cautions of Switz-
erland, and especially in the region of the Inter
wald, similar social habit may still be traced
Going back to the Orient, probably find its
origin, as well as that of many other singular
domestic and religious observances. Among
many of the Afghan tribes, it is usual for q
lover to present himself at the house of his be-
trothed with some suitable gift, in return for
which he is permitted to pass the night upon
her couch. Among the fierce Dayks, lover
will help the girl he desires to wed in her field
work all day. AT night he approaches her rest
ing place. If she rises and converses with him,
then all is well but if, on the other hand, she
says, BE good enough to blow up the FIRE, or
90 Light the lamp" Ia bamboo filled with rosin)
then his hopes are at an end, as that is the usual
form of dismissal. DR.. Stiles, having proven
"bundling" custom, proceeds to show that il
was thoroughly established in the New World
during the colonial days and especially in Vr-
gnia and the New England States.
We think that Dr. Stiles has settled his point
beyond controversy, besides adding a curious
chapter to the primitive history of the country,
showing from what rude sources emanated
much of the genius, intellect and enterprise
upon which We pride ourselves. The Yankee
may not like to have it known that his ancestors
were given to bunding," or the F. F. V. OF
the old Dominion that his great-great-grandam u
was sold to some speculator in the matrimonial
market. But the truth of history must be pre-
served; and such things undoubtedly have
been.- ALBANY Journal.