The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-08-11
Oriental Customs.
BY FANNIE NJ. HAIL.

ro by FANNIE NJ. HALL.
How many and various are the singu-
lar and yet pleasing manners and habits
which We find so closely connected with
Eastern life, some ofVwhichI still charac-
terize the Orient of to-day liifoed anlv
Early rising seems to have been uni
versal and most essential. The Jews
were said to rise at dawn of day, and
by so doing to perform the will of God
Perhaps it was this motive which
prompted the women of Samaria to
visit the sepulohre when it was yet
dark and thus offer homage to Him
whom they loved. Abraham rose early
in the morning of that day on which
he was to sacrifice Ithe life which par
took so closely of his own, to offer up
Isaac, the son of his old age, when love,
like threads of gold mingled with silver,
but strong as iron bands, twined around
that fathers heart and made his faith
a mighty conqueror in that hour of Sc
we're trial. r
The custom of saluting was another
important ceremony, which they held as
the highest mark of politeness, though
they wasted much time in going through
these different forms, which consisted in
bowling, kissing the hands, feet, and
beard, smelling the garments, which were
often highly perfumed with various
spices. They considered this last act a
great compliment. 1t was customary
also to offer some lUord of salutation on
these occasions such as "The Lord be
with thee" or peace be unto thee"
and we find in Ruth this illustration ::
And behold, Boaz came from Bethle-
hem, and said unto the reapers, The
Lord be with you: and they answered
him, The Lord bless thee" Our Saviour
seemed to have sanctioned this form
when he uttered those wonderful words:
" Peace | leave with you, my peace I
give unto you not as the world giveth,
give unto you.
The mode Of trayels custom that has
been kept up to modern times by the
Arabs, is peculiarly interesting itself:
First went the shepherds and goat
herds, with the sheep and goats, in regu-
lar order; then followed the camels and
asses with the tents and furniture; next
came the old men and women, with the
boys and girls, on foot; the little chill
dren were carried by the women, and
the elder children carried the lambs and
kids; last of all, came the masters of the
families. Between each family there was
space of hundred yards or more, so
that they need not mix or get confused
with each other.
The offering of presents when visiting
was habit which they never failed to
perform; but, whether much or little,
valuable or insignificant, according to
their station, whether fine gold or sim
pie flower, it was given and received as
token of courtesy and friendship. Be-
fore entering house, it was necessary to
call or knock, until gaining admittance;
this explains more clearly the Sayiour's
invitation: Behold, stand at the door
and knock if any man hear nay voice
and open the door, / will come in to him
and sup with him, and he with me"
Visitors on entering were treated with
great kindness; they were supplied with
water to battle their feet and hands. and
were often anointed with oil. When
leaving, they were honored by the burn
ing Of incense, or ishowered with sweet
perfume, which they must have appre-
GATED A stranger once welcomed as a
guest in an Eastern home, was expected
when he returned, to revisit the inmates
and keep up the acquaintance, and they,
in return, did the same. AS a link to
join this chain of friendship, which might
stretch beyond the sea, a piece of lead or
stone, sometimes bearing name in
scribed upon it, was broken at parting,
and divided between them. When sep
arated, this souvenir was not forgotten
but when time brought these trusty
friends again together, their token Of
alliance proved their fidelity to the cove
nant.
So, o man to whom is given Gods
souvenir Of life, though negligent Of its
use, let not this link which binds you to
him be stained with sin and loosen from
its hold, but let it clasp more firmly the
chain Of Gods love and tender care.
Never let it be aught but purest gold,
unshadowed by alloy 50, when you meet
that Friend Of friends, it may be handed
back, worthy. Of his searching eye, to