CIGAR MARRIAGES.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 655, 31 March 1870, Page 4

CIGAR MARRIAGES.

A singular custom is averred by a French paper to exist among the Mormons.. A lady who desires to attract tie notice of any pleasing young man, and so take the initiative which may lead t j tnatrimciny, seizes an opportunity of offering to the favored object a cigar, and handing hini a match at the same time. If this delicate attention be repeated twice, it is to be taken as a seuii-direct intimation that the young man "is not different to her," and he has nothing to do hut to "pap." But the custom is not of Mormon origin, for in Holland the cigar occupies a prominent position in courtship, especially among the Independent sect of the Hernndders at Zeyst, near Utrecht, the descendants of the luost devoted partisans of the ancient republic of the United Provinces. In that placid region when a young rcau U smitten, he rings at his mistress's door, and asks for a light for his pipe. That is a hint to the damsel's parents ; but if he appears a sacond time to make a similar request the worthy folk are on the alert, and discuss matters so as to be able to give tho enamored swain a reception on his third visit, according to their own and their daughter's views on the matter. If his suit be unfavorably received on his third visit, a light is refused him and the door shut in his face, which is equivalent to a formal rejection of his addresses. If, however, all goes smoothly, a light is criciously handed to him, and, after dvb T lighting his pipe, he enters the house, ar d i* wjl coined by the whole family. He then explains which of the young ladies ha* caused his visits ; upon this the dansel appears^ and the lovers shake hands, anl if, during this time, his pipe or cigar goes out, his fiancee offers him another with her own fair haids. An engagement which arrh es at this secoi d smoke is never known to be bioken off by either party.