BRIDEGROOMS WHO WEEP.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XL, Issue 13191, 27 September 1913, Page 10

BRIDEGROOMS WHO WEEP.

Curious matrimonial customs of the natives of Badu (Mulgravo Island.), m Torres Straits, about 20 miles north of Thursday Island and 60 miles from Papua, wero described by Mr C. H. Walker, who is , now on a visit 4to Sydney. One of these customs might' find approval among parents and some young ladies who are m pcr'Tof being "left on the shelf" m civilised communities. It is the application of the seniority rule to marriages. "That is ; to say," Mr Walker explained, ""if there are, say, three girls m a family— one of 20 years of age, for example, another of 18, and another of 16— it is considered exceedingly bad form to ask. for or to give m marriage one of the younger ones till tho eldest has gone off. That would bo a very good plan here, wouldn't it?" The natives pf Badu, liko the otjier islanders, do not as ; a rule \year footgear. An oxcejition is niade On the day of their marriage. It is tho correct form m Badu tp grace that occasion by appearing m. a pair of boots— or, rather, two pairs, for both bride and bridegroom have to be so fitted ont. "The squeezing of their feet into boots is rather a painful process," Mr Walker observed, "but it is Badu etiquette, and the ordeal is borne bravely, though the boots come off as soon as possible after tho event is over. Another amusing thing about these weddings is that the bridegroom must weep when the knot is tied. The tears flow copiously— qulfe a shower of them ! It is extraordinary how the natives can produce tears just whenever they are wanted. The bride doesn't weep. Sho is full, of mirth. It is her day put! Everybody grips her by the hand, and says nice things, while her tear-stained partner stands apart, a picture of abject misery."