Friendship, or the state of minds united by mutual
benevolence, is a relation or virtue unknown
to the Indian islanders. I am not aware, indeed,
that any one of their languages has a native word
to express it. Their beneficence seldom extends
beyond the narrow circle of their own relations and
families. The attachment of a chief to his retainers
is, however, often strong, and the retainers return
it with double interest, and frequently display
much fidelity and devotedness.
To their society or tribe the more improved nations
of the Archipelago show a degree of fondness
which may be favourably contrasted with the unworthy
apathy in this respect of the nations of
Hindustan. They are jealous in a considerable
degree of the independence of their country, yet
they are not heard to speak with enthusiasm on the
subject, and probably would not make any considerable
sacrifice in its cause. It would, therefore,
be going a good deal too far, to bestow on the sentiment
they feel the respectable name of patriotism.
To the spot of their birth they feel the fondest
attachment. This passion is strongest with the
agricultural tribes, from their more settled and less
adventurous habits. The Javanese can hardly be
persuaded, for any ambitious prospect, to quit the
tombs of their fathers, and to remove them under
any other circumstance, is literally tearing
them from the soil.
CHAPTER III.
DOMESTIC CEREMONIES AND FAMILIAR USAGES.
Marriages.— Period o f contracting marriages.—Courtship.—
Different descriptions off marriage.—Betrothing.—Payment
off a price fo r the wife.— Marriage ceremony.—Consummation
Ceremonies at births.— Bestowing off names.—
Circumcision.— Funeral ceremonies.— Appearance offbury-
ing-grounds.— Pious attachment off the natives to them.—
Worship o f ancestors.—Exterior manners o f the Indian
islanders.— Peculiarities in this respect.— Modes o f address
and salutation.— Observances at meals.— Practice off chewing
the betel and areca preparation.— Practice off using
tobacco.— Use off fermented liquors.— Use off opium.
I n this Chapter I shall endeavour to furnish the
reader with a sketch of the domestic and familiar
institutions and usages of the Indian islanders.
Upon all these subjects, the variation among them
is far less surprising than the agreement; for, even
in matters apparently of arbitrary institution, a
singular uniformity is discoverable. I shall, as on
other occasions, hold the manners of the Javanese
chiefly in view, taking care, as I proceed, to remark
such important varieties or differences as the
manners of other tribes may exhibit.
I shall commence with the ceremonies connect*