Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 May 1894 — When a Chinese Boy Becomes a Man [ARTICLE]

When a Chinese Boy Becomes a Man

When one sees a lad in China with his head shaved one may be sure that, however boy-like he may look, he has put aside all the things of youth and become a man. In fact, this event is celebrated in the household with grea' solemnity, for entrance upon manhood is a grave matter for the boys of the flowery land. Invitations are sent to the friends and relatives to a family gathering, and each is expected to bring a present—in money for choicefor the hero of the hour. The boy himnelf is dressed in fine silk robes and perfumed with spices. When every one has arrived, the father makes a speech in honor of the occasion, the presents are given, and then a Chinese priest shaves the boy’s head to prepare the way for the pigtail, which marks tht man of the Celestial Empire.