ABSTRACT

The order of seniority is strictly observed even in minor matters of etiquette. Husbands and wives, being of the same generation, are not expected to bow to one another, except in the rare cases of notorious shrews,-called ma chieh ti, or "revile-the-street persons,"-who may be ordered to make obeisance to their lords in penitence for bad temper or insubordination. But children and grandchildren come forward in turn, the eldest first, the youngest last, and, of course, all the boys before the girls. Dressed in his, or her, brightest and best robes, each "descendant" kneels on the flat cushion placed ready, bows three times with forehead touching the ground, and murmurs: "ying tang" ("I ought"), which is equivalent to a renewed vow of obedience for the coming twelvemonth.