The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1904-03-24

ing the hair, new silk for blouses;
perhaps proud owner displays a set
of Chinese ornaments for hair decora-
tion, or the stone bracelets are exam
ined to see which is tho best loved in
heaven. This last custom is the result
ofasuperstition which is found in even
the most Americanized families. The
common stone bracelets of blue and
white color, worn by most Chinese
women, are commonly believed to
change in color in conformity to the
good or bad life of the wearer. The
more white the bracelet shows the I
better the wearer's chance of reaching
heaven.
Games are played for the benefit of
the children and the parents seem to
take as much delight in the play as the
children themselves. When the visit
ends all levity ceases and the strictest
formality once more rules The visi-
tors gravely return the house and con-
tents to the original owner and ask
him to accept the loan of their own
home. This is formal invitation for
the return of the visit. If accepted, a
date is usually set some days in ad-
vance, as preparations must be made
for fitting reception.
One strange thing about Chinese
visits is that while light refreshments
are served, the women never take part
in any banquets or dinners given by
Chinaman to his friends. These are
always prepared and served in Chi
nese restaurant.
The casual visit paid by one China
man to another takes place in the store
or place of business. Every Chinese
store has room apart from the gen.
eral space which is the proprietor's
private den and, in one sense, his Of
fee. Here he receives his Chinese
/ friends and business acquaintances.
There is always cup Of tea here for a
customer and friend can always find
a full shop toy" and "yen hok" with
which to enjoy quiet draw at an OPT
um pipe. Do not understand me to
say that opium smoking is carried to
excess, for it is not. The Chinese are
the only people who seem to know how
to use opium with the least possible
harm to themselves. Few Cinnamon
are slaves to the habit, tho many of
them use opium 1t is matter of in
terest, perhaps, that the Chinese are
the only people who possess the secret
of a sure cure for the opium habit.
What it is, do not know, tho know
that opium itself forms part of the
formula
Chinese parents are very lenient with
: their children and altho the greatest
] respect for the elders is carefully de-
, veloped and extreme politeness insist
J ed upon at all times, the Chinese child
is encouraged to take part in all pur-
, suits and conversations of the older
people. The poIiteness is sometimes
} carried to extremes. For instance, a
} Chinese woman never walks beside hel
! husband but is always found few
r steps in the rear In this way she
: shows her ling of inferority to hel
: lord and master. The child, on the 9th
. er hand, is often led by the father. This
. is nearly always the case if the child il
e boy. Notice said led This is liter
Q ally true, as Chinese boy is not al
r lowed to grasp the fathers hand, tn,
r father always holding that of the son
q Also, when Chinese boy and gir
n walk together the boy always grasp
y the hand of the girl. This is to ALLOW
Q the boy, who is considered the superio
y being, the privilege of dispensing will
8 his burden whenever he sees fit.
o The greatest mark of respect that !,
v Chinaman can show member of th
IS white race is to invite him to his home
IS An acquaintance and friendship o
> years may elapse before such an invi
y tation is extended. Second only to thi
mark of esteem is permission to tax
], the Chinese children out for a walk o
10 visit to your own home. In bot
y cases, when the invitation or permis
8. sion is given, you may know that th
# Chinaman's friendship is won. LIE
III me say here that Chinaman'
s.. friendship is the real article. In bot
VI friendship and hatred he resemble
$. very closely his descendant the Amel