The Brookhaven leader., 1884-04-03
MARRIAGE IN CHINA.

Wedding Ceremonies-YOung Men En-
gagged for Years to Girls whom They
Have Never Seen.
The lad is.early reminded that his
parents want grandchildren as soon and
q, many as possible. His betrothal
generally takes place when he is from
seven to twelve years of are, though
cases have occurred where preliminary
arrangements have been made between
parents before their children had seen
the light of day. A professional class
call d GO betweens, who make their lv-
ing by matchmaking, are employed to
carry on the negotiations between the
two fam lies, the initiative being taken
by the parents of the boy. For the con-
venience of their clients these go-be-
tweens usually carry in their Iockets a
list of candidates for matrlmony. On
being solicited the list is consulted, and
bride is selected according to the age
or social position desired, subject, of
course, to her parents consent. The
go-bctween, in whose veracity and good
iu lgment implicit confidence is p aced,
is required to guarantee the respecta-
bi,ity of the girls family, and above all
her freedom from lunacy. leprosy, or
other hereditary taint. He must give
his word of honor that neither she nor
her parents belong to that pariah class
called play-actols, boat-people and
slaves. The girls parents also insti-
tute similar inquiries If the proposal is
entertained. Fortune-tellers are con-
suited, astrologers cast the horoscope of
the pair. deceased ancestors are con-
suited and appeals are made to the pa
tron deity of maidens. Should any un-
lucky omen transpire, such as the break
ing of tea cup before her eyes, nego-
tiations would ssbe almost certainly brok-
en- off. The fates are perhaps propi-
t'ous. Cards are then exchanged, con-
tanning such particulars as to the exact
M ment of b rth, the name, clan and
condition Cf the infant pair, who in all
probability have never yet seen each
other and will not for long years to
come, and are indeed completely Oblv-
iOus of these arrangements affecting
their destiny.
NO SENTIMENTAL NONSENSE.
! The young people are considerably
rel eyed OF the sweet embarrassment of
first love. All the gush of question
popping, wooing and tender embraces
are shut be, ond their sense. TLey
know nothing of quiet walks and pic
MICS, of serenades and tetc-a-te e.. Their
counting and love-letter writing are
done for them by their parents. When
the betrothal is settled the father of the
youth writes a tender epist e to the IA
ther of the girl, extolling the maiden's
BEAUTIES and virtues and expressing bis
desire to make her his sons wife. This
letter is accompanied by boxes contain
ing cakes, pork, bracelets, ear-r,ngs.
hair-pins and other presents, on receipt
of whi n the engagement is consum-
mated and nothing but leprosy, lunacy
or unfaithfulness can dissolve the sa-
cred and eternal bond. Next day the
lad may die, but the engagement re-
mans unbroken. The unfortunate girl,
If shemakes any ella m to respectability.
must remain in virgin widowl Ood all
her days, living at the house of his
PARENTS, min stering to their needs as
loving daughter in-law, confessing ever
and anon that her crimes brought the r
son to premature grave, and mourn
ing with many lamentations and pseu-
do-grief over the loss of the unfortunate
youth, whom she had never so much as
seen, and perhaps never heard OF.
During the whole period of her en-
gagement she must keep in close re-
t.rement in the back az artments. She
must be solemnly reserved with the
domestics and even with her own
brothers and sisters. She may not
form any attachments with other girls.
She must make no allusion whatever to
the other sex, much less make any ref
erence to her unknown beau. She must
instantly cover her face with fan
should q gentleman by accident come
doors it must be in a closely covered Sc
dan or boat. OF course gir's occasion
ally rebel against this seclusion, so far
as to get some gossipping seamstress to
tell her of the outside world or even dis
course upon the forbidden topic of mat
r.mony, or to furnish her informa-
ton upon the personal appearance,
home and propects of her future lord.
CHOOSING THE DAY.
After minor ceremonies and the
lapse of period varying from one to
eighteen or twenty wears, comes the
all-important ceremony of Ting HI.
Ibis means selecting the day of mar
riage, usully some day in the ninth
month of their calendar, and no time,
labor or expense is spared to insure a
propitious day. Fortune e-tellers, as
trologers, deceased ancestors, idols and
other oracles are consulted, to whom
are submitted the momentous questions
of times and seasons for adi iusting the
positions of the nuptial couch, cutting
the bridal garments and stepping into
the bridal sedan. When the informa-
tion has heen obtained it is forwarded
to the girls parents, written on Sed
paper, accompanied by letter of con-
graduation and presents of poultry and
wine. One of these presents is basket
containing a goose and gandcr, en-
b.ematical of falthfulncss, the same
birds being said to pair together every
season. The brides father perhaps sig
mites his approval, and preparations
are at once made for the marriage cere-
mony, which should take place in the
course of another month. Immediately
after the day is fixed the bridegroom
sends the usual pies or cakes. called
ceremony cakes. numbering from