Everlasting Pearl: One of China's Women

new red scrolls, and draped the guest-hall and the outside door with red cloth. Large red candles, painted wi

d home decided where the bed was to be placed; and a woman equally prosperous in her home made

y ceased her wailing, for it now behoved her to show the right submission. The old lif

ed by the way. And then, as it was getting dark, the lanterns were lighted for the last stage of the journey, and soon she was carried into her new home. She entered it to the so

y adorned with flowers, were waiting, one on either side of the chair, to offer her some tea. After that she was led into the room prepared for her. Her own furniture had already been placed in the room, and the bridegroom, clad in official robes, was standing near the bed, waiting for her. Then they both

he public guest-hall, supported by two women. The young man was waiting for her. They took the

d "Heaven and earth" in the same way. Afterwards two cups of wine were brought from the table. The man who was supporting the bridegroom offered the latter one of the cups, and the second one was held to the lips of the bride by the w

ey walk, ea

tied, the co

the latter lifted the veil, and beheld for the first time the face of the girl who had b

at joy the

s come to li

ook their stand together in front of the bed, but soon the young man went out of the room, threw off his wedding garments, and began to help in looki

one might go in to stare at her, and acquaintances of the bridegroom and even strangers who crowded i

ide, litt

he wall from

d, and sometimes a more mischievous boy or

ide, litt

he wall from

our potatoes

th her, but she herself could touch nothing. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, trying to keep calm and com

nd, she went from table to table, and bowed low to her husband's friends. Their cups were filled afresh, and each one took a drink in honou

s a bride. A proud day i

rs. They did not leave the young people till after midnight, and not before having tried to get hold of as many of their belongings as possible. These they endeavoure

d small." Bride and bridegroom were arrayed once more in their wedding robes, and proceeded to the guest-hall where all the relatives were assembled. Again the two knelt together on the red quilt, bowing their heads three times to the ground before Mr. a

eneration as the bride and bridegroom, they also knelt down and "worshipped" them in return. Each relative put a piece of money, wrapped in red paper, on a

The bridegroom carried a rice measure with a lamp placed in it, the bride a brush for cleaning the cooking pan. Many superstitious ri

t once seated there, she remained as silent as the night before, and ate nothing. Again she went

e clothes sent her by her husband. She was also permitted to throw off some of

again. They were very careful and modest in their behaviour,-young Hsü especially was afraid of offending in word or deed,-and they were not sorry when, soon after the formal dinner, they could once more return ho