Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1914-11-10
INTERESTING FACTS OF
A CHINESE MARRIAGE

Marriage is truly a lottery to the
Chinese girl. for she knows not
what she Is getting until she ls
actually married. Sometimes it is a
kind, good husband. and amiabls
mother-in-law, and much comfort;
sometimes II is a tyranl a mother
in-law who is eternaIy scolding, and
a life that is WEAKNESS to both flesh
and spirit. The ceremonies of be-
trothal and marriage cause much
trouble and anxiety. The young
man family begin the negotiations.
They engage a go-between to call
on the girls family and tender 4
proposal Of marriage. If the young
man is considered eligible by the
girls parents, they consult fortune
teller, who decides whether the be-
trothal would be proper.
II his decision is favorable, the
go-between is given a card on which
IS marked the hour, day, month and
year when the girl was born. This
IS delivered to the young mans fam
lily, who in turn consult a fortune
teller, If he also pronounces favora-
bly, a festival is held by both famt-
lies. the betrothal contract is signed,
and the bridegroom makes a present
to the bride of a pair of bracelets,
but neither he nor she Is present
The betrothal, however, Is not con-
sidered binding until a pastboard
card has been interchanged by the
families. The bridegroom's family
provide two Of these cards, one hav-
ing a gilt Dragon on its face, the
other a eilt 1enix The phoenix
card is retained By the young mans
family as evidence of his engage
ment. while the dragon card is kept
by the girls family. The betrothal
Is then complete.
When the cards are sent to the
girls family 1t is customary a'so to
send presents of various articles of
food such as pigs feet, pair Of
fowls. fish. etc. From one to five
months before the marriage a for
tunate day is selected for its cele-
hra ton Generally an uncle of the
bridegroom, or some trusty friend,
takes the eight honorary characters
which denote the birtht'ne of each of
the affianced pari, to a fortune-teller,
who selects lucky days for the mar
rage, for the making Of the wedding
garments. etc.
The wedding day is a great day.
and everything is desf gned to show
off" The dav before the bride tries
on her new clothes. and has her hair
done UP for the first time in the style
of a married woman. Chinese
bridegroom Is not supposed TO see his
wife's face until the marriage dinner
in the evening; for although the cere-
monies may begin early in the morn
ing the bride wears a thick veil all
day.
When they sit down to dinner the
husband looks at his wife. but saws
nothing. His attention is then given
to the good things provided.
The bride. however. sits unveiled,
auiet and still. According to custom.
she must not touch any food; re-
freshments offered by friends and at
tendants are declined with thanks.
Being married is. in fact, a very try
ing ordeal to the Chinese girl. After
removing her veil, all neighbors
guests, and strangers even, are al
lowed to enter and stare at her. She
is obliged to bear with composure all
sorts Of criticism, neither laughing
nor giving the slightest evidence Of
resentment, but remaining quite
plea SAINT looking. and calm After the
bridegroom has Toasted. the bridal
pair PROSTATE themselves, and give
| thanks 20 the Supreme Being for hav-
| ing nourished them for the number of
their years. No minister or priest Of
| fciates at the wedding, although yell
| low-robed religious functionaries are
often present. The brides toilette is
generally very gorgeous, and her hair
is decked out with pearls and other
| jewels. Bristol Times and Mirror