The history of the condition of women, in various ages and nations (vol. 2 of 2) : $b Comprising the women of Europe, America, and South Sea IslandsChild, Lydia Maria
History
The history of the condition of women, in various ages and nations (vol. 2 of 2) : $b Comprising the women of Europe, America, and South Sea Islands
Child, Lydia Maria
Women -- History; Women -- Social conditions
caps, which are covered with paras and piastres, like scales. Peasant
girls will undergo the greatest fatigue to add a para to this cherished
hoard. They often get a large price for old coins found among the
ruins; but sometimes no money will tempt them to sell it, because they
believe a certain charm resides in the legend round the coin. The
Greeks have universally a strong belief in omens, signs, and oracles.
When they drink to the health of a bridal pair, they always accompany
it with the wish that no evil eye, or malignant influence, may blight
their happiness. They are a gay and lively people, exceedingly fond of
music and dancing, which in their fine climate are often enjoyed in the
open air. Their character is ardent and susceptible in the extreme; and
the reality of love is very apt to be tested by the suddenness of the
impression. Girls are often married at ten years of age, and bachelors
are very uncommon. Except in the large towns, and among the opulent
classes, matches are rarely made from interested motives, and divorces
scarcely ever occur.
The inhabitants of ancient Lesbos were said to be dissolute in their
manners; and the island (now called Metelin) still bears the same
character. The women of Scio are said to be peculiarly handsome and
engaging in their manners. They may be seen at the doors and windows,
twisting silk, or knitting; and when a traveller appears, they not only
invite him into their houses, but urge him with playful earnestness.
Their object is partly friendly hospitality, and partly a wish to sell
some of the handsome purses for which Scio is celebrated. They have
learned to offer them in the language of many nations; and Frenchman,
Italian, or Swede, is likely to hear himself addressed, in his own
tongue, from various quarters, “Come and look at some handsome purses,
sir.” But this frankness is so obviously innocent, that a profligate
man would never mistake it for boldness.
The dead are carried to the grave in a kind of open litter, with the
face uncovered. When a young maiden dies, she is covered with rich
garments, and crowned with a garland. As the bier passes along the
streets, women throw roses, and scatter perfumed waters upon it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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