CHAPTER XXVI. 219 SOME SOCIAL CUSTOMS Manchu Ladies of the Palace--Presentation, on Their Marriage, of Manchu Noblewomen--Bridal Costume--Sedan Chairs--By Whom Bride is Presented--The Young Empress’s Graciousness--A Daughter in a Manchu Family--Comparison of Manchu and American Girl--The Unmarried Daughter of the Manchus--Her Position in the Family--Social Qualities--The Manchu Men-- Sports--Costume--Young Dandies--Concubinage--Early Marriages of Men--Secondary Wives--The Family--Secondary Wives of an Emperor--Their Rank--Position in the Palace--Title. CHAPTER XXVII. 230 PRESENT-GIVING The Palace as the Heart of Empire--Occasions on which Presents are Given (Private, Official, and Festivals)-- Style of Presents Given by the Empress Dowager--Presents to the Ladies of Legation--Birthday Presents--Some Presents Received by Me from Her Majesty. CHAPTER XXVIII. 237 SOME WINTER DAYS AT THE PALACE The Portrait for America--Details and Accessories of the Same--Days at the Palace--The Meals in Winter--Winter Evenings--Learning Chinese--Occupations of the Ladies--The Young Empress’s Birthday--Days of Mourning at the Palace-- Anniversary of Death of the Emperor Tung-Chih--The Empress Dowager’s Sorrow. CHAPTER XXIX. 245 RELIGIOUS RITES The Three Great Religions--The Temple of Heaven--The Emperor as High Priest--Preparations for the Sacrifice to Heaven-- Buddhism and Taoism--Confucius--Origin of Chinese Religious Ceremonies--Vitality of China as a Nation--Its Amalgamation of Conquering Races--The Manchus--Some Nature Worship--The Festival of the Awakening of Spring at the Palace--Guardians of the Cocoons.