270 A NATVBALIST IN CELEBES ch. xi 



The introduction of Christianity is exercising in modern 

 times a very considerable modifying effect upon them, but 

 enough remains in the writings of travellers and mis- 

 sionaries to build Up a fairly complete account for the 

 consideration of English readers. In the neighbouring 

 states, it should be remembered, the people still remain 

 in a very wild and uncivilised condition, and, by the study 

 of the few scraps of information we possess about their 

 marriage ceremonies, we are able to fill in many of the 

 missing chapters in the history of the people of Minahassa. 

 Commencing with the first signs of matrimonial contract 

 in the lives of the people of Minahassa, we find a curious 

 and interesting custom, in some districts only, called the 

 Pesendeen (22). This is a sham marriage ceremony held 

 in honour of the sham nuptials of children of from five 

 to nine years of age. The Pesendeen must not be con- 

 founded with true child-marriage, for, on the conclusion 

 of the feast the children return to their parents, and 

 are perfectly free, when they reach maturity, to marry 

 whom they please. True infant-marriage is a custom 

 which is found, not only in British India, but also among 

 several of the Malay races, such as the Bataks, Sundanese, 

 Menangkabawer Malays, Atjeans, and others; but in all 

 these cases the marriage is binding, and not a mere 

 ceremony. When a Pesendeen is held, the two families 

 come together in the house of the bride's parents. She is 

 dressed in a kabaia and sarong of a pattern as elegant and 

 gorgeous as can be provided, and the little bridegroom is 

 dressed in a kabaia and trousers of a colour as red as 

 possible. Then the parents commence the business of the 

 occasion by a long talk over the dowry of the bride and 

 other necessary details, and after this the religious part of 

 the ceremony is performed. The gods are humbly invited to 

 be present ; their praises are' sung, and they are besought 



