File:Japanese Woman (4788344022).jpg

Image Description from historic lecture booklet: "The woman is taught from girlhood to be modest, retiring and obedient as daughter and wife, and as a rule she is almost certain to avoid spinsterhood, so well-planned is the marriage machinery in Japan. Courtship is unknown as we know it. The bringing about of marriages regularly the work of a private go-between, who brings the young people together after the parents on both sides, with additional precautionary inquisitorial go-between, have agreed to a proposed match. Thus girls often select their husbands unknown to the bridegroom himself, for the selection is usually supposed to be and usually is the result of the go-between's astute observation, the initiative coming from one or the other parents, who says in effect, 'Pray you good friend, find a spouse for my daughter-- or son" as the case may be. In this way even when a young man or young woman has a small purse or a bodily defect some one equally short in cast or corporal perfection is found and the thing is done. The young people meet at a theater or feast; they chat gingerly with each other and final consent is given. No courtship and absolutely no kissing!'

Original Collection: Visual Instruction Department Lantern Slides

Item Number: P217:set 060 035

You can find this image by searching for the item number by clicking here.

Want more? You can find more digital resources online.