Page:Face to Face With the Mexicans.djvu/417

Rh class, which, beyond question in Mexico, as in all other countries, is the most moral and upright.



When legal marriages occur, the parents make every arrangement when the young people have arrived at an age at which they are able to bear the responsibilities of married life. When such a case presents itself, the parents of the lover go to the house of the sweetheart, and take with them a chiquihuite (a certain kind of big basket), containing a turkey, several bottles of native brandy and other drinks, bread, ears of dried corn, and peppers of different kinds. The first time the parents of the lover go to ask for the girl's hand, they organize a sort of procession, composed of some of the relatives and friends of the family and a band of music, which plays without intermission from the house from which they start to the dwelling of the maiden.

Once there, the band and the rest of the procession are profoundly silent, while the petition is being made.

The first request is generally refused by the parents of the girl, until they consult with the relatives and ascertain the will of her who is sought in marriage. If the result is favorable, they appoint the wedding day; if unfavorable, the answer is reduced simply to returning the basket with its contents.

As soon as the news in the affirmative is received, the family of the bridegroom invite all their friends to the fandango which is given on the day of the wedding, in honor of the newly-married couple.