The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1895-10-29

teristics of the latter. Their eyes are
less oblique, but full of that nameless,
hidden something's smoldering fire,
which seems to be the birthright of all
eastern races. While not so tall as Eu-
ropean women, they are beautifully pro-
portioned, and their carriage is erect
and exceedingly graceful. This may in
part be due to the lack of that product
of civilization-the corset.
The feet of the Burmese woman are
guileless of stockings, and her hands
know no covering other than a delicate
soft skin. Both hands and feet are sin
gularly small and slender, and from ex-
posure to sunshine and storm are as
brown as berries. Among the better
classes many valuable jewels adorn the
slender, tapering fingers, and the tiny
feet are incased in funny little shoes
which confine only the toes. As the foot
strikes the earth slight click is heard
When q number of ladies are promenad-
ing together the sound is very peculiar
as the constant patter is kept up. This,
coupled with their coquettish ways, is
very amusing indeed.
The browning glory of woman in all
lands is her hair, but it is particularly
the case with the women of Burma,
where it receives the greatest attention.
In color it is of pu1plish black, very
long and with texture like spun silk.
1t is dressed daily with cocoanut oil,
being worn pompadour fashion and
gathered into a large knot at the back
Of the head. Around this knot the
younger and unmarried ladies Irvine
brilliantly hued flowers, giving them
the appearance of always being en- fete.
1t should be explained that the Burmese
ladies use cocoanut oil for the hair for
two reasons. First, it is supposed to
strengthen the hair and prevent it from
falling out, and, secondly, it imparts a
delightful GOODNESS to the head-some
country where the fierce rays of the sun
beat constantly upon the promenader.
To protect the head and face they EN-.
ploy parasols similar to those used by
the japanese ladies.
Compared with other races of the
east, the Burmese are possessed of q sin
gularly fair skin. The greatest care il
bestowed on the teeth, hands and feet
The dress of the better classes is of the
costliest material The outer garment
consists Of two pieces, skirt which just
reaches to the ankles and loose medi
um length jacket. The lower classes
wear garments of the same fashion, bu
of calico or some other cheap material
while the feet are entirely devoid O
covering.
A practice common among all classes
in Burma is the chewing of betel nut
1t is first smeared with gee (native but
teri, and then rolled in betel leaf.
small portion will suffice for lonl
time, but it discolors the teeth horribly
A love for jewelry is passion which
has extended to all classes Of women o
Burma When they accumulate money
they do not invest it in real estate O.
bonds, but convert it Immediately int,
jewels. Poor women with calico gown
and bare feet frequently have their it'll
bag of precious stones hidden abou
their persons, and it is chiefly womel
who deal in the glittering baubles.
belle of the empire, particularly on hol,
days, is Respondent with jewels. /
would seem on such occasions as if sh
sought to impress and propitiate tn
gods by the glory of her attire, and sh
is then indeed fair to look upon.
The pagodas are usually built ON ele
waited land and are reached by lon
flights of marble steps. A gathering o
wealthy Burmese ascending these steps
with a tropical sun beating down o.
their bejeweled breasts, is dazzling
sight. These dainty women are not con
tent with one string of jewels, for the.
have many, frequently reaching iron
the throat to below the waist. Perhap
string of priceless rubies will nestl
close to the slender neck, followed b.
diamonds Of the first water and emer
aids of that beautiful deep green whicl
marks their quality. Alternating string
Of these gems cover the entire front @
the dress waist. Imagine a more gor
geous sight if you can. They are, afte
all, mere butterflies, these little ladie
of the east, and they lead very indolen
lives Their time is frittered away 4
senseless frivolity and in an untirin
pursuit of pleasure
COUNTESS NoRRAIKow.