Rensselaer Republican, Volume 13, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 September 1881 — A Turkish Tea-Party. [ARTICLE]

A Turkish Tea-Party.

A correspondent gives the following picture of a Turkish tea-partv: “Through the oneu windows thnt look out ou the garden oome a scent o' roses and the hum of bees, mingled with the laughter of children who are playing on a well-trimmed lawn, under the eyes of the dark-eyed Circassian nurses. .The mistress of the harem—the Buiuk-Hanum (great lady), to give her full title —dresses much like an English lady nowadays, reads French novels and plays the piano, though she dons the native dress upon state occasions, such as the chalva*, when she entertains other ladies. Chalva means a cake, but has came to designate a {>arty at which that dainty is eaten, ust as we say tea for tea-party in Engand. When a Turkish lady gives a chalva her husband is excluded while the strange women are In the house. These guests begin to arrive towards 6 o’clock, accompanied by their maidservants, and negroes carrying lanterns and bringing their children with them. Closely muffled, they divest themselves of their burnouses and babouches iu ap ante-room* and put on 'delicate slippers which they have brought with them in bags. The reception rooms ara brilliantly lighted up with pink candles and scented with fragrant pas tiles. There is no kissing or hand-shaking between the hostess and her guests; but each lady, as she comes in, lifts her hand gracefully to her heart, her lips and her brow, which means ‘I am devoted to you with heart, mouth and mind.’ 'nils mode of salutation when smilingly performed, is very pretty. The greetings being ended, the oompany seat themselves on chairs if there be any Frank ladies present; if not, they betake themselves to the divan's and carpets, and the cake-eating begins.”