Marriage Rites; Customs, and Ceremonies, of the Nations of the Universe (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1824. Excerpt: ... AMERICA. Before entering into the marriage customs of this vast part of the universe, it will not be improper to make some remarks upon the general condition of the native American women, --for a distinction must be drawn between them and the state of female society in the governments peopled by European descent or emigration. Though man has but one mode of coming into the world, his birth is accompanied with a number of ceremonies, connected with the influence of priestcraft and superstition.--The custom of wrapping the new-born infant in swaddling clothes is not followed in the savage state, but, as in Brazil, the men who perform the office of midwives, having received the infant from the mother, fairly tear the naval-string asunder, wash the infant, paint it red and black, and then carry it to the hammock. The lying-inwoman receives no better treatment. After relieving she washes herself, sets about her work, and experiences none cf those apprehensions which attend the accouchement of an English lady.--Lewis and Clarke, in their recent travels, as well as other authors, confirm this happy facility, the the pains of which are so light that they merely retire to a private spot, or withdraw, and return in sufficient strength to renew their work. Indeed, in some parts Of South America, they not only go to work immediately after delivery, but even wait upon their husbands, who keep their beds instead of the women, --a custom which was in use by the ancient Spaniards, and the Tibarenians, a people of Cappadocia, but which is not to be accounted for upon any modern mode of reasoning. As soon as conception is known to have taken place, all intercourse with the husband ceases, and in this respect there is a conformity with the custom of many of the African tribes.