JAPANESE LOVE-MAKING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18946, 17 December 1929, Page 9 (Supplement)

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 verandah 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 whom, cf course is at all conscious that the young man is takmg such a liberty with the flower pot outside their window. It is believed that such a young lover so engaged has never been seen by his ladv. Ihis act of placing a pretty in the empty flower pot, is equivalent, to a formal proposal to the yopng ladv who lives within and this Eastern fashion is a most delicate and harmless wav of proposing to a ladv. The vouthful gardener having settled this plant to his mind, retires, and the ladv 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 d 6 , 1-, , <l “ nor is accepted ae a suitor, but if he is not a favourite, or if stem parents object, the poor plant is tom from the vase, and the next morning lies limp and withered on the yeraMM 1 or on the path below.