Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 May 1875 — New Year’s Day In Syria. [ARTICLE]

New Year’s Day In Syria.

A correspondent of the Newark Advertiser writes from Syria: New Year’s Day iu Syria is like the same day in New York in one respect only—the Franks and the higher families among the natives exchange calls. This year it was a beautiful day, so warm’ that we sat without fires and let the balmy air come in at open doors and windows; indeed, about that time we discovered buds on the orange trees, just ready to burst. Our first callers were a poor, ragged old woman (an ex-laundress, now too old to work) and two men, one of them ragged also. These latter were from the CustomHouse, and came expecting a baksheesh, as is their habit on New Year’s Day. We gave it, being thankful for past favors and hoping for future ones. As the people enter the room they salute all present with the wish that ‘Uhe year may be blessed to them,” and tn* parting hope that each one “may have many years blessed to them.” After a short conversation (it is to be supposed on the weather or topics of that nature, as we do not all understand what is said), a

servant enters with a tray, on which is placed a plate of Damascus sweetmeats and some candies, ’.mostly a sort of roasted pea, and almond slightly sugared. These are passed around; then follows more conversation, until a servant again appears with a salver holding small cups of black, muddy, Turkish coffee. This coffee seems to be a sign that it is time to depart; and after hoping that we may always have coffee to offer, dr something equivalent to that, our guests go out, touching breast, mouth and forehead with their hands, bowing, and leaving “ their peace” with us. Before coming in they are announced by the servant; ,the men are usually called by the name of their eldest anqs, if married; if not, by their own, or by the name they would- have given their sons if they had any. “ The father Yusef ” is about to enter, or “ the father of Ibrahim,” and when their wives come it is “ The wife (or woman) of the father of Yusef.” Speaking of their husbands the women always say “ the son of my father-in-law,” which, as the words “ father-in-law” and “ uncle” are the same in Arabic, is rather confusing; but if the word husband is so much as mentioned the women hastily draw the kerchiefs or veils which they wear upon their heads over their faces.