The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1904-05-20
WURTSHIP In JAPAN.
WIEN A MAIDEN REACHES SIX.
TEEN SHE Is EXPECTED
TO MARRY.
81 10 as Much Matter of Course in a
Woman's Life as Is Death and Is
No More to Be Avoided.

inc age of sixteen or whereabouts, she
As expected, as matter Of course, to
marry. she is usually allowed her
cholce IN regard to whether she will or
VIII not marry certain man but she
lsexpected to marry some one, and
not To take up too much time in max
ing up her mind The alternative OF
perpetual spinsterhood is never con-
sidered, either by herself or by her
parents. Marriage is as much a mat
Ter OF course in a woman's life as
oea1h, and is no more TO be avoided.
Ihe courtship is somewhat after
the following manner: young man,
VINO finds himself in position to mar
fy, speaks to some married friend,
and asks him to be on the lookout for
beautiful and accomplished maiden
VINO would be willing to be his wife.
The friend, acting as advance agent,
makes a canvass of all the young
maldens of his acquaintance, inquiring
among his friends; and finally de-
cides that so-and-so miss Flower, we
will say will be a very good match
Tor his friend. Having arrived at this
decision, he goes to Miss Flowers par
ent4 llpd lays the case of his friend
before them. Should they approve of
The suitor party is arranged at the
mouse OF some common friend, where
the young people may have chance
10 meet each other and decide upon
The others merits. Should the young
folk find no fault with the match pres
II EMS nXRh fr~c al hnfrOth-
al is entered into and the marriage is
hastened forward. All arrangements
between the contracting parties are
made by go-betweens, or seconds, who
hoi% themselves responsible for the
success of the marriage and must be
concerned in the divorce proceedings,
should divorce become desirable or
necessary.
The marriage ceremony, which
seems to be neither religious nor le-
gal in its nature, takes place at the
home of the groom, to which the bride
rs carried, accompanied by her go-be-
tweeRs, or if she is of a higher class
by Der own confidential maid, who will
serve her as her personal maid in the
new life in her husbands home. The
trousseau and household goods, which
the bride is expected to bring with
her, are sent before. The trousseau
will contain, if the bride be of we'll
tc-dO family, dresses for all seasons,
+ and handsome sashes without num-
E Der; for the unchanging fashions of
Japan, together with the durable quail
Ity of dress material, make it possible
for woman at the time of her marri-
age to enter her husbands house with
a supply of clothing that may last
through her lifetime. The parents
If the bride, in giving up their daugh-
er, as they do when she marries, show
he estimation in which they have held
her by the beauty and completeness
Pf the trousseau with which they pro-
ide her. This is her very own; and
IA the event of divorce she brings
ack to her fathers house the clothing
nd household goods she carried away
s bride.
In old times the wedding took place
b the afternoon, but it is now usually |
Celebrated in the evening. The cere-
hony consists merely In the formal |
thinking of the native wine from
SvO-spouted-cup, which is presented |
! ID the mouths of the bride and bride
room alternately. The drinking from
! he cup is the symbol of the equal
\ aaring of the joys and sorrows of
arriad life. At the ceremony no one
present but the bride and bride
: Dom, their go-betweens and young
ri whose duty 1t is to present the
d to the lips of the contracting par
4 rs. When this is over the wedding
4 tests who, have been assembled in
lie next room during the ceremony,
IN the wedding party, grand feast
spread and much merriment ensues.
] o~ the third day after the wedding
Z, ne4'ly married couple are expected
make a visit to the brides family,
Ia for this great preparations are
Hkde. A large party is usually given
HI the brides parents, either in the
lernoon or evening, in honor of this
easion, to which the friends of the
. Ide's family are invited. The young
apIe bring with them presents from
ii aroom's family to the brides in
.rn Nor the presents sent on the
dding day.
y The festivities often begin early in
afternoon and keep up until late
night. A fine dinner is served, and
sic and dancing by professional per-
liners. or some other entertainment,
sr4No make the time pass pleas
ly. @9fhe bride appears as hostess
\ ber mother. entertaining the COM