JAPANESE LOVE MAKING.

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 54, 27 November 1929, Page 4

JAPANESE LOVE MAKING.

In some districts of Japan the natives have a remarkable custom in connection with window gardening. In houses wherein reside one or more daughters of a marriageable age an empty flower pot, of an ornamental character, is encircled by a ring, and suspended from the window or’ veranda by three light chains. The Juliets of Japan are, of course, attractive, and their Romeos as anxious as those of other lands. But, instead of serenades by moonlight and other delicate ways of making an impression, it is etiquette for the Japanese, lover to approach the dwelling of his lady bearing some choice plant in his hand, which he boldly proceeds to plant in the empty vase. This takes place at,a time when he is fully assured that both mother and daughter are at home, neither of wljpm, of course, is at all conscious that the voung man is taking such a liberty with the flower pot outside their window. It is believed that' a young lover so engaged has never been seen by his lady. This act of placing a pretty plant in the empty flower pot is equivalent to a formal proposal to the young lady who dwells within, and this Eastern fashion is a most delicate and harmless way of proposing to a lady. The youthful gardener, having settled this plant to his mind, retires, and the lady' is free to act as. she pleases., If he is the right man she takes every care of his gift, waters it. and tends it carefully with her own hands, that all the world may see the donor is accepted as a suitor. But if he ip not a favourite, or if stern parents object, the poor plant is torn from the vase, and the next morning lies limp and-withered on the veranda or on the path below.