Read Motor Matt's Mandarin; or, Turning a Trick for Tsan Ti Page 20

  SOME QUEER PHILIPPINE CUSTOMS.

  The occurrence of a death in a Filipino family in Bulacan is the signalfor an immediate celebration. "Our brother has gone to a happy land,and we must rejoice," they say. Relatives and friends are invited tocome, and an orchestra is summoned. Then the dancing and feastingbegin, and continue until the time of the funeral, which in thisclimate takes place within twenty-four hours.

  Those who have the means buy a black cloth-covered casket ornamentedwith spangles and bows of bright blue ribbon. The poor rent the "towncoffin," a plain tin box, evidently designed for those of mediumstature, for a year or two ago, in a funeral procession, the feet ofthe deceased, incased in bright blue plush chinelas, were seen stickingout at one end.

  The orchestra heads the procession through the streets, usually playingsome lively air learned from the American soldiers. The popular funeralmusic is "A Hot Time," and it keeps the procession moving at a briskpace.

  Thursday is the favorite day for weddings in Bulacan, as it is "bargainday" in the matrimonial market. On Thursdays the priest marries manycouples at a time, and consequently at less expense to each couple.Four o'clock in the morning is the favorite hour. Following theceremony the newly married pair return to the bride's home, wheredancing and feasting ensue till sundown.

  A bride to whose wedding feast some Americans were invited had aromantic prelude to her nuptials. The parents of the bride werestrenuously opposed to the match, owing to a strong disinclination onthe part of the groom to do any sort of labor. So Anastasia was sentup into the mountains to visit among relatives, and traces of herwhereabouts were carefully concealed from Felicidad, the groom elect.

  But Felicidad, although too indolent to support his prospective bride,did not purpose that another should win her, so he summoned severalfaithful friends to his aid and began an active search. His devotionwas rewarded with success, and three weeks later Felicidad returned intriumph, with radiant Anastasia borne aloft on the shoulders of two ofhis trusty friends.

  The following Thursday, in company with fifteen other happy couples,they were married.