Indians of North America -- Colorado; Mesa Verde National Park (Colo.)
In the normal course of events the young man who has been carrying on
the optical conversation with the young lady is finally unable to curb
his emotions. He goes to his favorite uncle, or possibly to his mother
and pours out his heart. Boasting of his manhood and his hunting and
farming abilities he concludes that it is high time for him to have a
home of his own. And he would like to marry a certain young lady.
Immediately a family council is called and the proposition is discussed
at length. If the elders do not approve of the young lady, the young man
is immediately squelched. There is no resisting the decision. The
brokenhearted youngster will either nurse his sorrow until another
maiden captures his fancy or meekly marry some girl whom his family
selects.
Marriage is an important function and the union of strong healthy boys
and girls is a responsibility that falls on the older clan members.
Occasionally a headstrong youth who has allowed a deep, long-distance
love to grow upon him rebels against a dictated marriage. In his heart,
however, is an inborn, confident reverence for his elders and he is soon
frowned into line.
If, on the other hand, the family council approves of his judgment, a
delegation is soon sent to talk with the family of the girl. The virtues
of the boy are extolled at great length and there is a mention of
certain presents that the boy’s family will give to the family of the
girl. The relatives of the girl tell of her virtue, industry and
excellent health and let it be known that certain presents will be
expected.
If the two families fail to reach an agreement the romance of the young
couple is ended, but if they finally talk around to happy settlement,
the next step is up to the young lady. Shortly after sunrise the next
morning she goes to the boy’s house and for four days grinds corn in
front of the boy’s mother to prove that she can do this most important
work. It is a backbreaking task but she keeps at it diligently, knowing
that her work must be satisfactory. At the end of the four-day period,
the boy’s relatives examine the results of her labor. If the amount of
corn meal does not please them the marriage is called off and the
heartbroken young lady returns to her house.
If, however, they are satisfied with her grinding the marriage is agreed
upon. It will not take place for weeks but there is much to be done. The
boy and his family must get the gifts ready and it is the custom for the
girl and her relatives to build a house.
In addition to presents which his family has promised to give to the
girl’s family, the boy makes certain personal presents for his
bride-to-be. He may make her a fine pair of sandals and may weave her a
soft, warm feather blanket or even a beautiful white blanket of cotton.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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