ORIGIN OF VISITING CARDS.
Visiting cards are of Chinese origin. The story runs that more than a thousand year’s ago they were in common use in China. From very ancient, times to the present day the Chinese have observed tho strictest ceremony iu paying visits. Tbe cards which they use for the purpose arc very large, and usually of a bright red colour. When n Chinaman desires to marry, his parents intimate the fact to a professional "match maker,” who thereupon runs through a lis't of her visiting acquaintances, and selects one whom she considers a fitting bride for the young man. She then calls upon the young woman, armed with the bridegroom’s card, on which are inscribed his ancestral name and the day of his birth. If the answer is an acceptance of his suit, the bride’s card is sent in return. Should the oracles prophesy good concerning the union, particulars of the .engagement are written on. two'- large cards: tied together with red cord.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19330613.2.32
Bibliographic details
Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 220, 13 June 1933, Page 6
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166ORIGIN OF VISITING CARDS. Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 220, 13 June 1933, Page 6
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