Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1879-04-22
A Chinese Marriage.

Charles jameson, native OF CHINA, but
educated in San Francisco, has been married 10
that city to girl named Ah Quy. which Is SAID
10 be the tirst marriage, according 10 tho Chl-
ness rites, that has taken place IN that ollY
The marriage took place in two rooms that the
groom had selected for his future home, ana
supplied with Chinese and American furniture,
and decorated with large strips OF red paper,
on which were stamped Chinese proverbs 70.
lating to marriage and married life. Ona tabl0
10 the first room were lacquerod trays contain
ing Chinese dried fruits and sTeotmeatS. While
on others were tiny cups for tea. There were
also on the table Chinese ornaments and sever
al Wator pipes. At au0ut o'clock her temaio
ohaperones conducted the girl 10 their charge
to the rooms of her future husband; but before
she crossed the threshold of the door they threw
heavy handkerchief over her head and shut
out everything from her sight. This. they
told her, was to warn her that in entering the
married state sho was cropping 10 tie
dark future; but that, placing implicit faith
10 the husband and relying upon him
guide her, sho need no. fear Ct mak!n
misstep. She was then conducted to tn
first room and then 10 the room ADJOINING
where she met the man who was to becom
her husband. He was Standing by bed
tho room, and as she approached the haDoker
chief wss removed from her head and both sa-
on tho edge Of the bed. In sitting down ho
Intentionally sat on q portion CT the long si!keu.
skirt she wore. She made no attempt to re-
move the garment, and by allowing him to re-
main seated on it gave proof that she was hls
captive and willing to submit to bis orders
Had she, however, drawa the garment toward
ber it would have been proof that she would
not be submissive, aud would not obey him No.
less she felt Inclined to do so. The pair then
knelt before small altar, from which hung
| ancestral tablets, and each offered prayer,
after which they went into the other rooul,
| where they seated themselves.
One Of the chsperones poured tea into two OF
| the cups and offered these to tho groom and
bride, telliog each to take a sip. This being
done they took the cups again, mixed the con-
| tents, aud, returning them 70 the pair. .o'd
| them to drink. saying that as their lips had
touched the beverage they would draw insplra.
ton from each other By psrtGklng OF the mix
| lure. The BRIDE accompanied By the chspc
| rones, followed b. the groom aud somerelatlvea
| formed procession and left the house, amid the
explosion of Grecrackers, and marched through
Stout's alley to the restaurant on Jackson street,
| where the guests had assembled and were wait
ing on the third Aoor. AZ the party asceuded
| tbs stairs an orchestra plsyed an air which
stretch Of immagination might coustruo ict,
Reddicg march. As the brido entered The
room whcro tic guests were assembled she vas
supported By the Two chaperoues. aod had her
fsos hid from view by largo ian. Sh1 WAS
then led around to each OF the guests, a1d as
she approached she oourtessyed three tiuee.
The guests returned the courtesy and then re
cited proverb. to which tho bride replied
After hsyicg gone through this ordeal III
times, there being that number Of guests pres
ent, the party SIT dogn to a banquet Cotton up
| 10 the highest style OF Chimes. cuilaery art
This completed tho marriage, bu: the groom
said that after seven days, during which the
festivities wero TO bo contluued. they Woa!d ~
before justice Of tho peace aad be married ,H
AueIio1n fashion. The bride was dressed 10
| dark silk dress, which tou,hed the dor and hid
her feet from view. Ol her arms wero heavy
gold bracelets, and on the ioser OF her leit
hand two gold RIGGS. Her raven blsck h"r
was pomaded apd dressed with artificial h'"eT1
and gold coins Prsseots hEd been made to tha
pair by III persons, ell OF "hom wtro pfe5sa'
ut the banquet.