The Van Buren press., 1895-09-14
MARRIAGE IN MADAGASCAR.
The Ceremonies Are Of . Somewhat Pesg
liar Character.

liar Character.
We have heard a great deal about
the war in Madagascar, but very little
has been said about its inhabitants,
customs and superstitions Some OF
the latter are very strange. Its inhabit-
ants, as far as the women are concerned,
offer an interesting study, especially
at the present moment, when the new
woman" is so very much in evidence
as to call forth vituperation from
the highest dignitaries of the church.
The Hovas are no longer savages
They are subject to laws and regula-
tions, and obey an absolute authority
which presides over their political des-
TIMES and determines their social con-
dition. This power is vested in the
queen, and though in reality she WELD
no visible power in the actual ruling OF
the country, yet her influence is SO
great on the minds of her subjects that
nothing, even the most unimportant
action, happens in their lives in which
her name is not mingled, in which her
influence is not felt. Her wishes are
considered supreme commands. and
she is regarded as divinity.
When she gives an audience in her
palace, her visitors are obliged to OBJ
serve the greatest ceremony. They
approach her with reverential saluta-
tions and genufections, the number Of
which are determined by their caste
and honors Every morning her body
guard present arms before her palace
and before she arises intone the ma
tional hymn, the "Sidikini,' to which
every one listens standing and uncov.
cred. When she goes to any public
ceremony she walks under red um-
brella ornamented with golen ball.
through respectful crowd, who emit
cries of joy, clapping their hands in
unison.
The queens husband, the prime min
ister is man of the people and is re-
ally the head of the government. 1t is
he who directs the policies Of the Ir-
menian kingdom. Surrounded by his
secretaries, his staff and his aides-de-
camps, who are counted by the thou
sands, he exercises the powers which
the queen represents. He is perfectly
familiar with all that is passing in Eu-
rope, where several of his sons have
been educated, and he is ably seconded
by skillful advisers.
Marriage among the Hova's presents
one popularity which is indigenous to
Madagascar; it is always preceded by a
novitiate, If it may be termed, which
prevents any unpleasant surprises to
the married couple later. They are
authorized to make preliminary ex-
pertinent of the duties and rights
which will follow their union. The
young girl is introduced into her fu-
ture husbands home, and after few
days is returned to her parents. After
these formalities are complied with,
the husbands family address an offic-
ial demand to the young girls family
for her hand or they signify their re.
fusal.
An orator in these affairs repairs to
the home of the future bride at the
head of delegation composed of the
fance and his family. He expatiates
on the object of the delegation, goes
over the titles, qualities and geneal
ogy of the future husband and winds
up by making formal demand for the
young girls hand
The father or his representative re
plies in elogistic speech, enumeratei
the conditions Of moral conduct, and
wise administration necessary in the
household, makes discreet allusion
to divorce or an amicable separation
which will always be permissible in
case Of incompatibility and Terminates
his address by granting his daughters
hand. Then the fiance gives some
earnest money and acquire marital au-
thority. Ever after the wife will be
counted among his goods and chattels
She becomes piece of merchandise
and may in case of necessity enter into
legal transfers, whether for debts ol
crimes. 1t is therefore to husbands
advantage to add to the number OF his
wives. This is what he generally does.
Polygamy in this sense adds to the
wealth OF the household. Detroit Free
Press.