1832.] 
ISLAND OF SUMATRA. 
185 
they perform their ablutions like good Mussulmen, washing their 
bodies several times a day ; particularly when they repeat their 
prayers. 
The Achenese, in general, are grave and decorous in their 
deportment, considering it beneath the dignity of a man of con- 
sequence to laugh and talk much ; and they have often been heard 
to express the same idea. They are not, however, unsocial in 
their manners ; but are in the habit of assembling in groups for 
conversation. Their mode of salutation is extremely courteous 
and ceremonious. When equals meet, they exchange handker- 
chiefs with a graceful inclination of the body. The object of 
this is, that they may prepare a serah for chewing, for which each 
has the materials in his handkerchief. They seldom commence 
conversing on these occasions, until the handkerchiefs are returned 
in the same graceful manner, the whole ceremony occupying two 
or three minutes. Their salutation generally on presenting the 
handkerchief is, " Ah-sah-lah-moo, alin, loo-coom /" expressing 
a sentiment analogous to " Peace be with you," corresponding to 
our familiar " How do you do But this short sentence is 
uttered with so much rapidity, that to an unpractised ear it sounds 
exactly like ■ " Salam ali cume /" 
When an inferior meets his superior, the former very respect- 
fully takes the other's hand, bowing gracefully over it, until his 
forehead touches it. As he raises his head, the other carries the 
hand of his inferior towards his own forehead, and frequently 
gives him his handkerchief, without taking one in return. When 
an individual of very humble station approaches one of elevated 
rank, the former bends very low, as if he would throw himself at 
his feet, the other merely making a condescending gesture with 
the hand. We believe that a man of rank and station never 
neglects to return the salutation of another. 
When the Achenese assemble to deliberate or confer on any 
particular subject, they sit cross-legged in a circle. The speaker 
joins his open hands, and extends them, with a bow, to the indi- 
vidual he is about to address, who offers his attention by a similar 
action, If the whole company is to be addressed, the same cere- 
mony is observed to each. The orator then pitches his voice in 
a peculiar monotonous tone, evidently studied and acquired for 
the sole purpose of public speaking, and this tone is seldom 
