GREENLAND COURTSHIP.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5634, 21 April 1879, Page 3

GREENLAND COURTSHIP.

When the Danish missionaries had secured the confidence of the Greenlanders, marriage was made'a religious ceremony. Formerly the man married the woman as the Romans did the Sabine women, by force. One of the missionaries, writing in his journal, describes the present style of courtship as follows: The suitor coming to the missionary says : “ I should like to have a wife.” “ Whom ?” asks the missionary. The man names the woman. “ Hast thou spoken to her V Sometimes the mau will answer, “Yes; she is not unwilling, but thou knowest womankind.” More frequently the answer is “ No.” “ Why not ?" “It is difficult ; girls are prudish. Thou must speak to her.” The missionary summonses the girl, and after a little conversation, says; “ I think it is time to have thee married.” 1 “I won’t marry.” “ What a pity ! I had a suitor for thee.” “ Whom ?” The missionary names the man who has sought his aid. “ He is good for nothing ; I won’t have him.” " But,” replies the missionary, “ he is a good provider; he throws his harpoon with skill, and he loves thee.” Though listening to his praise with evident pleasure, the girl answers, “ I won't have him.” “ Well, I won’t force thee. I shall soon find a wife for such a clever fellow.” The missionary remains silent as though he understood her “no” to have ended the matter. . At last with a sigh she whispers, “ Just as thou wilt have it, missionary.” “ No,” replies the clergyman, “ as thou wilt; I’ll not persuade thee.” Then, with a deep groan, comes “Yes,” and the matter is settled.