Japan and the Japanese

434 JAPAN. A. D. 17791701.
hand-mirror ; a little box of uicJiciucs ; a small packtt of the best
columbac, for painting the lips ; several kinds of paper fur doing
up packages ; also paper for writing letters; a kullo (a kind of
harp) ; a samsi (a sort of guitar) ; a small chest for holding paper ;
an inkhorn ; a pin-cushion ; several 'sorts of needles ; a box of
combs ; a mirror with its stand ; a mixture lor blacking the teeth
(the distinguishing mark of married women in Japan, some black-
ening them the moment they are married, and others when they
become pregnant); curling-tongs for the hair; scissors; a letter-
case ; a case of razors ; several small boxes, varnished or made of
osier; dusters; a ease of articles for dressing the hair; an iron
for smoothing linen ; a large osier basket to hold the linen ;
n tub with handles ; a small dagger, with a white sheath,
in a little bag (thought to drive away evil spirits and to preserve
from infectious exhalations a quality ascribed also to the
swords worn by the men); complimentary cards, made of paper,
variously colored, and gilt or silvered at the ends, to tie
round presents ; nosi, a species of edible sea-weed, of which
small pieces are attached to every congratulatory present ; silk
thread ; a small tub to hold flax ; several slender bamboos, used in
hanging out clothes to dry ; circular fans ; common funs ; fire-tureens
; and what certainly ought to form a part of the bridal out-
fit of our city belles a small bench for supporting the elbows
when the owner has nothing to do ! Several books are also added,
poems and stories, moral precepts, a book on the duties of woman
in the married state, and another the very one we are now giv-
ing an abstract of on the etiquette of the marriage ceremony.
Two different kinds of dressing-tables are also provided, containing
many of the above-mentioned articles ; also a number of other house-
keeping utensils.
When these things are ready, the mediator and his wife arc
invited to the house of the bride's lather, and entertained there. A
lucky day is selected for sending the above-mentioned articles, ac-
companied by a written list, to the bridegroom's house. The
mediator is present to assist in receiving them, and a formal receipt
is given, as well as refreshments and presents to the bearers in pro-
portion to the value of the articles brought.
On the day fixed for the marriage, an intelligent female servant