The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-03-20
STRANGE FASHIONS.


sons why the Chinese parent regards his
son with q greater affection than he he
slows upon his daughter, some of which
Twill here state.
In the first place the sons invariably
inherit the surname of the father, per-
petuating the existence of his family,
for one generation at least.
Secondly, they assume the RESPONSE
bilities of the father, including his debts
and State crimes; and
Thirdly. whatever honors the son
may achieve by reason of his acquire
ments, or otherwise, are accredited to
his sire.
For instance, if a son obtains promo
:ion to State honors. suitable honor or
State title is accordingly conferred by
the Emperor upon the father, rs a re-
ward for bis labor in bringing his son
to the attainment of such 4 station of
honor and usefulness.
Finally, under no consideration are
cons permitted to seek their own pleas
IRE without first making glad the hearts
IF their parents, with tender SOlicitude
20 less marked than was that of their
parents toward them, while yet they
we're young and hel pleSs.
These are the cardinal principles rel
ative to tilial duty embodied in the text
books of all Chinese schools from those
of the primary grade to those from
which the advanced scholar graduates,
and is promoted to such position as
his attachments in Confucian doctrines
entitle him. This position is decided
upon in the Halls of Competitive En-
animation" held every three years in
each county. and every ten years in the
capitol, where the highest honors are
conferred upon him who can most fully
expound the doctrines of that great
teacher. Therefore, when son
IS born the Chinese parents make
great demonstrations of JOY; wheth-
er it be the seventh or the
SEVENTEEN son it matters not, for on the
principle that one can not possibly have
700 much of good thing, there can
never be too many sons in Chinaman' S
family.
1t is, however, possible to have too
many daughters; why such a state of
;hings exists will endeavor to explain.
First, then, at proper age girls in
gariably change their names and be-
come members of strange family,
owning no allegiance to those who
reared them, nOr arc they obliged or
required to requite their parents in any
manner whatever for the care and eX-
pense incident to their support from in
fancy to maturity. Consequently all
this cost and trouble, and it is no incOn-
siderable item, is dead loss to their
parents. Therefore to have 4 large
family of girls is to be doomed to life
of labor from which not even the least
return may reasonably be expected. 1t
is frequently the case that parents ut
terly lose sight and knowledge of the
whereabouts of their daughters, and
likewise daughters of their parents; for
by the common laws of China the daugh-
ter is obliged to serve and render obedi-
ence to the parents of her husband solely.
''She must not have her affections divid-
ed" After she is married all RESPONSE
bility relative to her own father and
mother forever ceases, Several instances
have come under my personal Observa-
ton where daughters who were living in
aftiuence with their husbands have
uhiO"OU n'OI oS0u PdiCHtS "
beg and finally to perish for want
of tproper food. They did not
trouble themselves to render such as
sistance as would have prolonged the
lives of their parents, although to have
done so would have made them none
the poorer. Should son allow such a
thing 10 occur, the public as well as the
authorities would take cOgnizance of
the matter at once, and there would be
visited upon such an ungrateful son a
punishment second only in severity to
that of decapitatiOn, as his just due for
such gross ingratitude. The daughters
are exempt from such punishment by
reason of their being legally member
of an entirely different family, both by
name and marriage.
These are some of the reasons why
daughters are not so much thought of
as sons; and why is it possible to have
too many of the one and not possible to
have too many of the other.
Upon the birth of a daughter a name
is Immediately conferred upon her with
but little, if any, feasting or other joyful
demonstrations over the event. Quite
differently is the birth of son received.
In the latter instance the happy
parents wait a whole month before be-
slowing name upon their new conner,
during which time great preparations
are made in anticipation of the joyful
occasion. If. after the expiration of
thirty days, the treasure" (son) lives.
having safely passed through all the lit
tie ailments incident to babyhood, the
parents and their friends prepare at
once for the "te tow" or first shave
This ceremony, in religious sense, cor
responds to infant baptism as practiced
by most Christian denominations of
this country; but it is attended with
more expense. The ceremonies are also
of more animated and joyful nature.
The eventful day having arrived, all
Of the aged men and women relatives
Of the family being present by invita-
ton. great feast Is spread, of which
all partake. During it progress three
venerable old ladies. with three gentle
men also of venerable appearance, are
selected to perform the ceremonies.
The first part consists in offering a sac
rifice of burnt offerings to the gods
above and the gods below. Such burnt
offering consists OF whole pigs, chick
ems, fowls and incense-sticks. While
these are burning the parents join in
offering up their heartfelt thanks, CRATE
fully and with JOY acknowledging them
selves the recipients of the choicest
blessing Heaven could bestow. This
part of the ceremony over, the three old
ladies proceed to roll up their great
silken sleeves preparatory to giving the
fortunate youngster his first shave,
which, by the way, is not performed
with a razor upon the chin, but with