Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-07-01
The Noefours or New Guinea.

Among the islanders marriages are
notmade according 10 the inclination
or by the free choice of the young peo-
pie, but ut the wish of their families,
who consult their convenience alone
when they alliance their children
most frequently Mt very tender age.
When the arrangem ent is completed,
the betrothed are FORBIDDEN TO associate
with each other. The etiquette which
regulates the affair is very rigorous,
and presses heavily upon the little
fiances. They are forbidden TO look Mt
each other, and it is enjoined upon the
young girl to so arrange matters that
her future husband cannot see her.
When they meet each other on the road
An accident which cannot fail to oc-
cur occasionally-the girl, who rarely
goes out alone, being warned by her
companions, is bound to keep herself
hidden behind tree or bushes, from
the time that her future lord and master
comes in sight till he has passed by.
1t happens often that the two are OF
the same company-for instance, when
they cross from one island to another in
the same boat. Then the childlike and
simple courtesy which gives the law in
these regions demands that they turn
their backs, and look steadfastly in op-
posite directions. The betrothed must
also avoid all contact with the members,
both masculine and feminine, of the
family into which they are about to en-
ter. From the future father-in-law and
the future mother-in-law they must
guard themselves as Tom the plague.
One day when Mr.. Van Hasselt 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 COM
rades called him back. 1t is nothing
they said, only his brothers future
mother-in-law is going by" and they
explained to the astonished foreigner
that if the boy should so much rs look
at this expected relative, his brothers
tiancee would have II child before the
marriage.
But let US return TO the betrothals.
Marriages in Noefourian high life are
not celebrated with splendor and parade.
although their wedding ceremonies are
characterized by reserve and "A
modesty very remarkable in n savage
people of the tropics. Adorned with
the most beautiful ornaments, the bride
is conducted through the village. One
woman, having seized her by the legs,
carries her on her back; while another
binds her arms as though she were a
captive, and leads her by rope to the
home OF her betrothed. 1t is n symbol
of slavery-a souvenir of the ancient
servitude which the aristocratic class,
everywhere conservative OF the tradi-
tions OF the past, has preserved. Mar
riages among the lower classes are dit
terently conducted. In this case, the
procession starts from the house OF the
bridegroom, who leads n crowd OF frela-
tives and friends, each one bearing n
present. The procession begins TO
march at nightfall-for it must be
made with torches, classical emblem of
hymeneal fires. On reaching their des-
tination 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 approaches till within
two feet of her, turns on his heel, and
they are back to back in the midst of
numerous assembly, the men on one
side. the woman on the other. After the
entertainment the bride is led into her
own room, still not daring to meet the
terrible glance of her husband, and keep.
ing her back turned to the door; seeing
which, the husband also turns his back
upon her. The whole night is spent in
this manner. They sit there motion
less, having some one TO brush away
the flies, and without speaking n word
1t is n veritable watch on their arms.
II they grow sleepy some one Of the
assistants, who take turns in doing this
service, nudges them with his elbow; il
they keep wide awake the bridal pair are
assured of long life and a green old age. In
the morning they separate, still without
looking at each other. to refresh them
| selves after the fatigucs OF the previous
night, in order to repeat the performance
the second night, and the third, and
even the fourth, without being per-
mitted TO relinquish the siege. On the
| fifth morning, with the first rays of the
sun, the young people Mt last look each
other full in the face. That sufiices; the
marriage is considered accomplished.
and the newly-wedded pair receive the
customary congratulations. Not till the
following night do the watchers leave
them; and then the husband is bound in
honor to slip away before dawn. since
| his bride cannot be expected yet TO en-
dure q second time in broad daylight
| his terrible look. She will not dare to
meet his gaze until after an interval OF
four more days and nights. So much
modesty would not be suitable for slaves.
They throw themselves into each others
arms, and all is DONE International
ReUieD.