Charlotte messenger. [volume] (Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N.C.) 1882-18??, 1886-10-02
LIFE IN MEXICO.
SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS HABITS
OF OUR NEIGHBORS.
Courtyards in the Houses-The Ala
media, or Public Park - Bellies
ana Beaux on Sunday Even
ing-Priests and Churches.

AuS luIiueI COIIcr POhuo " Our o4udic anu
the latter to the driving park and prom
enade, and in every fine hou e and hotel
we find a courtyard. This is simply
square yard in the enter of very large
building in which the tiers of rooms and
elevated porticoes on the four sides form
the wall of the Enclosure. Among the
more wealthy there is vine-covered pi-
azza eading down to hewn stone or
marble-fountain. Close by there are cosy
seats under the spreading branches of
evergreen tropical fruit trees. In the
rear there are winding walks encircling
beautiful flower plats and shell-covered
rockerie;. Under the wide, f:escoed
veranla there are numerous antique
flower vases, Some are filed with deli
cate and fragrant flowers, while others
are entirely hid by overhanging ivy and
towering vines. The inches in the wall
are set with air plants and creepers. The
grand entrance is closed by large double
door made of hewn timber and put to-
gether with heavy bolts and iron bands.
These doors are about fifteen feet high,
by twelve feet wide, and swing to and
fro under the wide arch that unites the
second stories over thepassage- way. The
center of this arch is sometimes adorned
with the statue of the patron saint of the
family, at other times VIC see rude image
Of an ancient Aztec, while among the
more modern we see the Spanish coat Of
arms or the present emblem of Mexico, q
spread eagle perched on cactus plant
and deyouring a snake.
When night comes the Don. his family
and retinue of servants are gathered into
the court yard, after which the great
doors are brought to by main strength,
then locked and fastened by an extra
bolt and long bar across the top and
bottom. Among the very ancient struc-
! lures there Is deep moat surrounding
! the building; this is crossed by draw
bridge, and when drawn in is used as
/ p0rtcu!llS Ter the dotr
The alameda. like the courtyard, pre-
sents picture of perpetual springtime.
Each are the breathing places of their
respective surroundings, and usually pos
sesses all the beauty of landscape garden
ing known to the people. Here we find
a reservoir, but no water works, few
neat flower plats ard long rows Of stone
seats in the form of our old time, high
| backed benches. On either side of these
there are smooth drives and walks. be-
tween long lanes of overlapping shade
! trees.
In the early morning the students and
all classes having leisure come here to
walk or drive. The invalid of wealth is
here in carriage or on horseback, while
those among the poor may be seen con-
tentedy seated on a chair that is strapped
to the back of cargador, thus all are
having their morning ride. Many of the
poems and pc ADDS, wrapped in their
blankets are seated in the sunny places,
apparently for the purpose of thawing
out. The water carr ers, like a nation
of ants are passing each other to and
| fro tn their morning supplies of
water. On Sund y evening Mexico
turns out in her best. The dude of
the day, clothed goat skin and tinsel
is here with horse. H wears silver
mou ted wide somb ero, and carries
long lasso and large revolver on one side
and dangling sheathcd sword on the
other OF course there are no cattle to
catch, or men to carve an shoot, but this
is the cavalier style, and the poor crea-
ture would feel it Burning shame to be
out without his acoutrements when there
were so MANY beaux and bellies to gaze
upon him. When he meets lady friend
he lifts his hat high in air and says:
"Buenos todas, rara server" Good
evening. I am at your service.) To
which Dona Tulsa replies: 'Muy bien,
gracias." Very well. Thank you.)
4 If he is on foot, he takes her hand and
says in Spanish grandiloquently; 81
place myself at your feet, Miss" To
whica she answers by saying: 81 kiss
your hand, SIR after which they begin
conversation composed of terms elually
cxtravagant. When particular friend;
meet they often fail to shake hands, but
will give each other close embrace.
The ladies usually begin by kissing the
right and left cheek, next they embrace
few moments, after which they finish
their verbal greetings and proceed to ex
change the latest neighborhood news.
When priest is saluted men take of
their hats, often embrace him, and ladies
usually kiss his hand. When the bishop
is passing in the street the people take oil
their hats and knee until he has passed
during which time they bless themselves
! .a, n ,I,o-4 ,,ro,or ond ;nyoln hie bioae