Arizona weekly citizen., 1886-09-25
Conrfing Among the Piutes.
CRor the CitiEen


 When 6 eirl pertaining to the trIbe of the Piute IndIans arrives at marriage | able age she makes her debut" Tn "so- clety." Until now she has been under lhe control of her grandmother. This old lady O. whom 1t is supposed that years have brought her wisdom, in- struots the girl in the domestic duties and the secrets of married life.
 Two old female relatives now take charge of the latter keeping her for the period of twenty five days in "tiPi' (smsll wigwsn) Daring this period she is made to perform tbe different kinds of manual labor, ID order to strengthen her bodily faculties; this ererclse consists mainly in the piling up of wood; three times day, ID the morning, noon and evening she is made Co pile up five heaps of goodly size, taking a bath in the river st the close of every fifth day. Al the end of this period she presents her elderly com panions with her wearing apparel and returns to the wigwsm of her parents. This is her "debut" and everybody knows now that she is ready for mar riase. X pretty, well formed girl has, of course, B great macy admirers aud is as much sought for in her 'circle as a dazzling New YcrE belle m the salons of the metropolis. But how different the two styles of cOurune! The strict separation Of the young people of fdiffer- ent sexes prsctcei among the Flutes presents great difficulties 10 the art of love-makipg; they have not even an opportunity to exchange a few words Of innocent conyersa- tion. and still a PIute girl will soon perceive If a young man of her tribe hsrbors tender feelings for her. He ex cites her admiration by bold equestrian feats, by displays of his marksmsnshID with the bow or other athletic sports; he will ride by her wigWRm sgsIn and sgain at breakneck speed and by all these msnOeuvers attracts her attention and although be never speaks 6 word, intimatss the fact that his heart IS full of burning love. But this is not all his courtIng. At night when all have re- tired 10 their wigwams, the love sick swain arises from hIs couch of skins aud cry leaves and wends his steps to the tent of his beloved.
 This tent has the form of a cone, and the inmates lie wIlh their feet towards the fire m the center of its base aud with their heads towards the enclosure. h is however expected of the girls grandmother, who lies nearest to the former, that she should slumber but lightly. She slows the young man to sit awhile near the head o' the sleeping girl. whom be Is not allowed to touch Ia heavy penalty beng attacked tc any such breach of Piute etIqugtteL At last the grandmother HwBkes the glTi md orders her to lie down by her m ger. The young man then leaves the tent without speaking a word.
 In the following nights be returns, and during the whole time of his court ship he IS treated by the girls re- latives as complete stranger, no matter how familiar he may have been formerly with his sveethearts brothers or other members Jf the fHmi- ly. He is now not only never in- yited but not even noticed. If the girl does not fBvcr the young msa's suit. she informs her grandmother of that fact and when the lover returns Bt night, the old lady arises. takes a hand ful of hot ashes from the fire and throws them into the unfortunate suitOr's face. Thst means, Its no gO." should be persist in bis attentions, he is treated by father and brothers of the girl sr every visit be may make, with hot ashes, wa ter and suDdry well applied strokes from long switches. Cases have occurred when young Indians have persisted h. their love making in spite of thIs cruel treatment and by their very endurance have obtained the desired end. If, how ever, the girl returns the affections oi the youth, her grandmother informs her father thereof. On the next nightly vis- 1t the parent takes a hold of the young brave, avakes the whole family and asks him in the presence of all the members If he loves the girl and if he promises to take care of her. EgeFything being sat isfsctory. the two young people are from this moment on considered Bs betrOthed. but stlll not allowed to speak together
 The wedding day is now appointed and O grand gsstrOnomic feast prepar- ed. The relatives of tue girl, she and her future lord are seated around tbe camp fire. the betrothed near each other. The estsbles are brought in handsome wicker baskets. The bride has careful ly prepared basketful of delicscies for the bridegroom, and while she present. 1t to hlm be takes hold ot her right h6n1 with his rIght. while with hIs left hand he takes the basket. This is the we'd ding ceremony. The father of the gIr' now pronouuces them man and wife and they retire to the young braves wig wsm, a welded pair.
 J. A. SPRING.