THE HINDU WIDOW.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, 12 May 1891, Page 4

THE HINDU WIDOW.

J Man is the same selfish creature in Hind* jtan that he is in other countries, always 'trying to have an easy time of it himself, and : »hake off troublesome and disagreeable. _ • things upon his poor, patient wife. So it is. Ithat ages ago the Hindu established a code * 'of regulations for his widow that are in ! force to this day. He has a theory that twhen he dies and his soul ascends into ifceaven, the ascension is made qrakkly and | 'pleasantly in proportion to the afHictions of ibody which his wife can undergo inthe 'month immediately following his departnre. (During this time she must prepare her own 'food, which is distressing enough to a 'woman who has always depended upon a cook. She must partake of but one meal,; ■ and that of the simplest kind. She must v I wear the same dress, day and night, and — , what refinement of cruelty— she must wear her old bonnet when she appears onthe ! street. She cannot receive any visits, unless * fit fr° ra c undertaker or sexton to talk £J-S.i -ir little accounts, and an afternoon flea cannoi' '^ so much as thought of. And Lided to aii thi s , ? e fnn js ssrs_s; , kept up all the turn.. she P asse = * large *■ portion of her time on the s bench launching her tears with biiw"£ bordered 'handkerchiefs, while the preacher 1., ™-?g- --! ling eulogies upon her late departed wn J dismal reminders that all flesh is grass, and ;that we aie liable to be cut down (inour 'salaries) at any moment. Truly, the life of 'a Hindu widow is a more than commonly ■"unhappy one. ;>.■) • > '*. i.y . '"' •: t