The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-06-25

often that the two are OF the same COM
pany-fOr instance, when they cross from
one island to another in the same boat.
Then the childlike and simple cour-
tesy which gives the law in these regions
demands that they turn their backs and
look steadfastly in opposite directions.
The betrothed must also avoid all contact
with the members, both masculine and
feminine. of the family into which they
are about to enter. From the future
father-in-law and the future mother-in-
law they must guard themselves as from
the plague. One day when Mr.. Van Has
self was in his school, one of the boys
suddenly threw himself under the table,
where he remained motionless. Not
knowing what to think, the frightened
teacher was rushing to the child, when
his comrades called him back. "It is
nothing" they said, "only his brothers
future mother-in-law is going byF' and
they explained to the astonished for
eigner that if the boy should SO much as
look at this expected relative, his BROTH
er's fance would have child before the
marriage.
But let us return to the betrothals.
Marriages in Noefourain high life are
not celebrated without splendor and pa
rade, although their wedding ceremonies
are characterized by reserve and a
modesty remarkable in savage people
of the tropics. Adorned with the most
beautiful ornaments, the bride is con-
Quoted through the village. One woman,
having seized her by the legs, carries her
on her back; while another binds her
arms as though she we're a captive, and
leads her by rope to the home of her
betrothed. 1t is symbol of slavery-a
souvenir of the ancient servitude which
the aristocratic class, everywhere conserv-
ative of the traditions of the past, are pre-
served. Marriages among the lower
classes are differently conducted. In this
case, the procession starts from the
house of the bridegroom, who leads a
crowd of relatives and friends, each one
bearing present.
The procession begins to march at
nightfall-for it must be made with
torches, classical emblem of the hyme-
neal fires. On reaching their destina-
ton, the bridegroom is presented to the
BRIDES relatives, who lead him into her
chamber. She awaits him with her back
turned, indicating that she does not dare
to meet his conquering gaze. The young
man approacher till within two feet of
her, turns on his heel, and they are back
to back in the midst of numerous as
sembly, the men on one side, the women
on the other. \ After the entertain.
ment, the bride is led to her own room
still not daring to meet the terrible glance
of her husband, and, keeping her back
turned to the door, seeing which the hus-
band also turns his back upon her. The
whole night is spent in this manner
They sit there motionless, having some
one to brush away the flies, and without
speaking word. 1t is veritable watch
on their arms. If they grow sleepy,
some one of the assistants, who take
turns in doing this service, nudges them
with his elbow; if they keep wide awake
the bridal pair are assured OF long life
and green old age.
In the morning they separate, still
without looking at each other, to refrest
themselves after the fatigues of the pre-
vious night, in order to repeat the per
formance the second nil ght, and tht
third and even the fourth, without be-
ing permitted to relinquish the siege
On the fifth morning, with the first ray
of the SUD, the young people at last lool
each other full in the face. That suf
fees; the marriage is considered accom-
plished, and the newly-wedded pair re
ceive the customary congratulations
Not till the following night do the watch
ers leave them; and then the husband
bound in honor to slip away befor
dawn, since his bride can not be expecte
vet to endure asecond time in broad day
hight his terrible look. She will no
dare to meet his gaze until after an intel
val of four more days and nights. s.
much modesty would not be suitabl
for slaves. They throw themselves int
each others arms, and all is done.