Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/89

Rh back. This vest may be worn or omitted, as suits the taste of the wearer. It is without sleeves but has straps; the hair plaited in two behind, and the plaits turned up, and fastened together by a diamond ring; long ear-rings, and all sorts of chains and medals, and tinkling things worn round the neck. A long, broad, colored sash, something like an officer's belt, tied behind after going twice or thrice round the waist, into which is stuck a silver cigar-case, A small colored handkerchief like a broad ribbon, crossing over the neck, is fastened in front with a brooch, the ends trimmed with silver, and going through the sash. Over all is thrown a reboso, not over the head, but thrown on like a scarf; and they wear silk stockings, or more commonly no stockings, and white satin shoes trimmed with silver.

This is on holidays. On common occasions, the dress is the same, but the materials are more common, at least the vest with silver is never worn; but the chemise is still trimmed with lace, and the shoes are satin. . ..

Christmas Eve in Puebla! The room is filled with visiters, who have come to congratulate Cn on his arrival, and a wonderfully handsome room it is, to do it justice, with chairs and sofas of scarlet stuff. But I was anxious to see something. As we are to leave Puebla very early, I am prohibited from going to midnight mass. I proposed the theatre, where there is to be a Nacimiento, a representation in figures of various events connected with the Birth of Christ; such as the Annunciation, the Holy Family, the Arrival of the Wise Men of the East, &c.