Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 February 1899 — A TOPSY TURVY LAND. [ARTICLE]

A TOPSY TURVY LAND.

That Is the Western View of an Eastern Country. The law of the Japanese is that of inversion—at least it seem 6 so to us. Viewing things from an oriental standpoint, we would probably think our present way of life the topsyturvy way and pity ourselves for shortsightedness and foolishness, as they do now. In Japan white is mourning both for men and women, while women indicate their age by their costume. The Japanese has no foundation for his Louse, but instead the roof is ballasted, that being considered a better safeguard against the violent storms. After-dinner speeches are made before dinner, and probably no custom shows the innate good breeding of the Japanese more than this last. Think of the belated guests of such a custom were ours! Think of the speeches thrown to the air! Some of the Japanese symbols are interesting and deserve recognition, so popular are their works of art in cur homes., Look closely at Japanese screen, panel, kimono, fan, and you will find the inevitable cherry blossom, the national flower; the plum, which signifies sweetness of heart; the pine, the strength of Vigorous old age; a woman under a roof, charming symbol of content. The obliqueness of the Japanese eyelid, which comes before one always in speaking of anything Japanese, is caused, it is said, by their living in high latitude, a protection of nature accorded, too, to many animals.—N. Y. Herald.