The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-02-13
SOCIAL CUSTOMS IN SIAM.
Popping the Question Done BY Proxy
Wedding Ceremony.

wedding ceremony.
From the Rangoon Gazette.
The Siamese live in bamboo houses
built on piles from four to six feet off
the ground. The roof of the house is
always of the DAM palm, of which a
plentiful supply Is obtainable on the
margins of rivers and streams The
only door of the house-a folding one
is merely closed when the occupants
are away. Locks, bolts, etc, are prac-
tically unknown. In villages consisting
wholly of Siamese thefts are uncommon.
Generally between the ages of 20 and %
a man, as soon as he has titled sufficient
paddy (rice) land TO keep him going,
seeks a home for himself. Girls are
given in marriage from the age of Is.
The parents or near relatives-or in
their absence some headman- manages
the asking in marriage for the intend
ing bridegroom. The parents. or who
ever have been asked TO do So proceed
to the house of the girls parents with
betel leaf rolled in the shape of cones.
If it is intended to encourage the mans
intentions the cones of betel leaf are
taken, and perhaps eaten. If they are
left untouched il is equivalent to, and
understood TO be, a refusal: so after
some ordinary chat the emissaries re-
turn. If accepted a visit is shortly after
paid again; this time with longcloth
betel. etc. At this visit the date of mar
rage ~ diIdnStu. oOlIlt OIu man ID
called in to fix "a propitious day. At
these meetings it is necessary that the
mother of the girl should be present.
the presence of the father is immaterial,
though he is always informed of what Is
going on. The girl herself is generally
in an inner room listening to what is
gong on outside.
On the morning of the day fixed for
the marriage, relatives and friends from
far and near who have received invita-
tons. verbally given, assemble at the
brides house Here d sumptuous break
fat is found ready for one and all.
Country liquor, which is in abundance,
is imbibed at intervals by groups of
men playing cards for small stakes. At
the appointed hour the bride and bride
groom, dressed in their best, kneel side
by side. first before their parents and
then before all those who are looked
on as elders. and simultaneously make
three bows to each. The palms Of the
hands are placed together and then
before the forehead. In this position
the couple bow their heads down to the
floor, OH which has previously been
spread a cloth. After this a selected
guest gives them some good advice,
and then they mingle with their friends.
As each guest enters, he drops into a
brass tray kept in some conspicuous
part of the room as much money as
he can afforda sort of dowry. Some
give a rupee. some ten, some more,
some less. Presents in kind are also
permitted; thus a rich man may give
a pair Of buffaloes instead To go to the
wedding feast and not give something,
however. small. would be considered an
objectionable insult, Elopements are
not infrequent. The couple gener-
ally go away at night To some friend $
house in the village, and shift for them
selves after a few days. After month
or so, or as soon as the storm has blown
over, third parties are sent To see what
the feelings Of the girls parents are.
If. as is not unusual. they are willing to
forgive. and it is shown that their re-
ception will not be a warm one. the
couple pay visit, taking rice, vegeta
bles. etc, as a peace Offering. Then
matters gradually adjust themselves.
Odd numbers are lucky. There are