MANNERS AND CUSTOMS, 
(^~C. 
Part I. 
THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF ALL NATIONS 
4 > 
Manners of the Chinese. 
The manners of the Chinese bear little resemblance to those of any 
other nation ; and, their historians say, they are the same now that 
they were 4000 years ago. The women are condemned to almost 
perpetual imprisonment within the precincts of their own houses, 
A woman is never seen, not even by her intended husband, before 
marriage. He knows nothing of her looks or person, but from the 
account of some female relation or confidant, who in these cases acts 
the part of match-maker ; though when imposed upon, either with 
regard to her age or figure, he can have recourse to a divorce. The 
same matrons who negociate the marriage, also determine the sum 
which the intended husband must pay to the parents of the bride, 
for in China a father does not give a dowry to his daughter; it is 
a husband who gives a dowry to the wife. 
When the day appointed arrives, the bride is placed in a palan- 
quin, the key of which is committed to the care of a trusty domestic, 
who must deliver it to none but the husband. The latter, richly 
dressed, waits at his gates for the arrival of the procession. As soon 
as it approaches, the key is put into his hands ; he eagerly opens 
the chair, and for the first time perceives his good or bad fortune. 
If he is contented with his new spouse, the bride descends and enters 
the house, where the marriage is celebrated by feasting and merri- 
ment as in other countries ; but if the bridegroom is very much dis- 
appointed, he suddenly shuts the chair, and sends the bride home 
to her relations. To get rid of her in this manner, however, costs 
a sum equal to what he originally gave in dowry to obtain her. The 
Chinese women, even of the first rank, seldom quit their apartment, 
which is situated in the most retired part of the house, and in which 
they are secluded from all society but that of their domestics. 
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