Connecticut western news., 1888-08-29
MARRIAGE IN CHINA.
Mongolian Betrothal and Matri-
 monial Ceremonies.
The Celestial Wooer Buys His
 Wife from Her Father.

 where tho brido brings her husband dot, are not so frequent as formerly. Almost always the woocr in reality buys his wife from hcr father. In addition to this the parents of the girl receive from those of her affi ,nced moro or less valuable presents of rice, wine or silks. Children ko often betrothed at very carly agt Sometimes friends agree even before tho birth ot children that in case they nre of different sexes that on reaching the proper age they shall be married. Such agreements are relig- iously regarded.
 In general betrothal negotiations are conducted by third person, not be- longing to either of the families con- cerned. The samo custom is found among the lows in many German cities. Tho matrimonial agent takes a card to tho family of tho intended bride, giv- ing the name and age of tho young man. If willing to consider the implied proposal the father sends back similar card with the namo and ago of the girl on it. Thon the neg citations begin in earnest, and are prolonged over threc days usually; matters arc conducted with great ceremony. If the affair is formally agreed upon the actual be- trothal follows. This is as binding as marriage itself.
 Tho day before the wedding the mai den clothes herself as bride and ex- hibits her trosscau before her female friends and relatives. Persons in mourn ing are shut out from this ceremony.
 When the marriage day arrives the young man clothes himself as elegantly as his means will permit. The family assemblies with him around the house. hold altar. He knecls down and throws himself upon tho earth. Spices are burned before tho ancestral tablets. The marriage is formally amour ced to those present. The master of ceremon- ics conducts tho father to special seat of honor and hands gob- let of wine to the bride groom. The young man bows him. self four times boforo his father, pours out few drops of wine on the floor as libation, and drinks the remainder. Then tho father says, "Go, my son, bring thy wife, and in all things con- duct thyself wisely and prudently." The son throws himself four times upon the ground, says that he will obey and mounts stool at tho door. Friends and acquaintances march by him with lighted lanterns, relic of the timo when all marriages wero celebrated at night. The procession then proceeds to the house of tha brile, whore the groom awaits her at the gate.
 On her part tho maiden rises early on her wedding morning, bathes while a band of musicians outsile discourse alleged music, clothes herself, break lasts on food sent by intended parents ts- in-law. Sho only takes a few bites, however, as it is considered 0 good omen for her to cat abstemiously. Be- fore she takes her place in the sedan chair it is her duty, in company with ncr mother, to weep copiously. This part of the ceremony is frequently ob- served even Tn more civilized lands. As soon as the women have seated themselves in the palanqrin a strange scenc takes place. A member of the family takes bed coverlet and holds it up with two corners folded in cech hand. Another throws into tho air throe hard cakes (which tho bridegroom has sent for tho purpose) so that they fall into the coverlct; dur ing this ceremony the bride murmurs good wishes for the future. Tho pro- ccssion, including both bride and Lride- groom and their attendants, then moves of, accompanied by music and fire- works. Red capped servants carry along the articles of furniture to be taken from hcr own home for the usc of tho brido.
 It is an uuwrittcn law that every one, poor and rich alike, must remain stand ing while Q wedding passes, as it was re gently the universal custom in Italy to remove one's hat as funeral went by. In China even a mandar must observe this custom, and if he meets the poor est wedding train, even though ho bo on horseback, it is his duty to dis . mount and show this honor to the young couple.
 When they arrive at the house of the bridegroom the young man alights and invites the bride to follow him and leads her into the inner court of the house, where the banquet is laid. Here the maidca removes her veil; tho couple greet each other and wash their hands, he on the north and sho on the south side of the court She makes four courtesies to him and he two to her, and then they sit down on opposite sides of the table. The man stands up and invites tho maidcn to drink with him and then sits down; then sho rises, invites him to drink with her and takes her scat. Then they drink, first out of separate cups, and aIterward from tho sane glass.
 Meanwhile in ono room of tho house the father of tho oung man dimes with his friends, and in another the mother with the female guests. The company remains day and q nj sht. During the whole time candles are kept burning in