The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1897-07-15
rHE WOMEN OF CUBA.
.o1sp FOR THEIR BEAUTY OF FACE
AND GRACEFUL FIGURES,

rbex arc Warm Hearted and Annctsos'
ate. Displaying Much Devotion Go
Their FsmiIies--Not So Many Msrrisgss
.,convsniepcs In Cuba as in Frasos.
Cuban women are noted for their
,eauty. somewhat resembling the Orr
ental type. with dark, languishing
.ves. colorless complexions, small
mouths. graceful, rounded forms, and
exouisitely shaped hands and feet
Tbeir Cfnderella-like feet are probably
aue TO the fact that Cuban women are
NOT fond Of exercise, although In the
country they saunter around mo
,roupds or take a brisk canter on
horseback before breakfast. In town
tbey arise early, as people usually do
in the tropics before the dew rs on
,he grass, and take turn In the gar
aen or walk through the park.
When they go shopping they drive
,o the stores, but seldom alight from
tbair carriages. Obsequious clerks
bosteu to bring out goods for their In
snection. while they make their selec-
ton, glancing indifferently with their
blg black eyes at the passers-by. mean
nhile who pass close to their equip
.,es owing to the narrow sidewalks
and thoroughfares. Sometimes ladies
nrefer TO have samples sent to their
residences, and do their shopping at
home with still greater ease. In the
tropics labor is simplified ms much a.
posslble. and time Is not Of much ac
count All social as well as domestic
duties are carried out leisurely. ant.
tho rush and hurry Of the metropolis
are unknown.
The popular idea Is that Cuban
,,.,men are indolent, but such Is not the
case. although the torrid zone does
impart n languid grace to every mo-
tion while the bustling activity of
Northern women Is lacking. They
find plenty to do at home In superin'
tendius their servants, attending u
household duties, and embroidering OF
doing fine needle work, for CUBAN wo
men are skilled In the use or the
needle. and of late years in the brush
also, Cuba having produced many Gel
ebrated artists.
Flores de Mayo, Flowers of May
as the May festival to the virgin
is called. brings out many pretty maid
ems. Clad in white, w@if1hI
long white wells over thei1
dark tresses, they repair to th'
evening service to carry flowers. goint
up to the altar two by two. and eX
tending their floral offerings. which ar
received and placed on the altar b!
the acolytes.
Cuban girls are carefully shielded
from the world, the prevailing Gus
toms in regard to chaperonaG
being similar to those OF th
French, as well as other customs. bu
a closer intercourse with the unite'
States through education and trave
has modified many Of their customs
especially since so many Cubans nav
made our country their home by adof
ton.
Fewer marriages Of convenience ar
made in Cuba than in France. Cuoa
women's hearts sway their beads
They are warm hearted, passionate
and affectionate, WINE CHe'
affections center in their fane'
As rule they are true an
faithful in family relations, ana al
devoted to their husbands and chi
dren. The only flaw, perhaps, Is SOM
times an overweening fondhess II
their offspring, which tends to harm
full indulgence-harmfu because e.
cessive-for self-cOntrOi should I
taught child. and wholesome disc
pllne maintained.
The distinctive charms OF CuDe
maidens are their soft, gentle. and ca
tlvating ways, and languid grace. Tbs
are rot as lively and independent
American girls, while their tralnii
and conventional life tend to reha'
theis mere timid aud dependeM.-as