CHAPTER XVIII,

Social and domestic Customs-Forms of Salutation-HospitalityRegard for the Poor-Entertainments-Dress-Ornaments-Espousals-Marriage-Children-Their Occupations-The same as those of the ancient Israelites.

THERE is much in the social and domestic habits of the Nestorians so entirely similar to what we find among God's ancient people, that a particular account of them would differ but little from a correct transcript of Hebrew archæology. But, as there are few customs mentioned in the Bible which cannot find a parallel, or, at least, a tolerable similitude, among some of the various nations of the East, it will avail little, in the view of those whose minds are fortified by preconceived opinions regarding the ten tribes, even were I to show that all these customs find a parallel among the Nestorian Christians. On the other hand, it is believed that in the estimation of those who examine the subject candidly, the proof that we have already adduced, together with considerations yet to be presented, will most clearly demonstrate the identity of the Nestorians with the lost tribes of Israel. I shall, therefore, pass over this source of evidence in a very cursory manner, and devote to it only a few pages; although it might, by a more able pen and in another connexion, be expanded into an interesting volume. But, while the existence of certain customs and rites may not of itself

prove the Nestorians to be Israelites, the absence of such rites and customs might go far to show that they were not Israelites. If the Nestorians are of Jewish origin, we expect to find Jewish traits; and these we shall now examine.

Perhaps I cannot better introduce this part of my subject than by a short extract from the journal of the Rev. Mr. Perkins: "As I was at work in our little garden," he writes, "the boys belonging to our school passed along and saluted me in their patriarchal style by saying, 'Allah covet yavil,' 'May God give you strength.' It is deeply interesting to see how much there is that is truly primitive among the Nestorians. We meet with it in their household furniture, in their agricultural utensils, in their instruments of music, but, most of all, in their modes of salutation. When two persons meet, they mutually salute each other by saying, 'Peace be with you;' and the other replies, 'Your company is welcome.' When a guest leaves a house, he says, 'May God grant you increase, may your days be prosperous;' and the other replies, May God be with you.' When one puts on a new garment, enters a new house, or purchases a new article, his friend congratulates him by saying, 'May God bless your garment,'' May God bless your house,' &c. If you do a Nestorian a kindness, or wish him prosperity, he says, in thanking you, 'May God give you the kingdom of Heaven.' When one enters upon any undertaking, he says, 'If the Lord will, I shall accomplish it;' 'In the strength of the Lord, I will learn this book,'" &c.

The forms of their salutations, I may add, are no less primitive than the phraseology in which they are expressed. We see the same ardent gesticulations, prostrations, falling upon the neck, the same kissing of the lips, cheeks, beard, and hands; and the same weeping for joy on the return of long-absent friends.

Their hospitality* to the stranger, and especially to their own people, is quite as primitive as the salutation with which they meet him. His every want is promptly supplied; water is brought for his feet; food is immediately prepared and set before him, and every provision is made for his comfort and repose. He goes not from house to house, but having found a shelter under one roof, he would do injustice to his kind host to leave it for another lodging in the same village. He salutes the house on entering; his peace rests upon it; and he departs with a blessing. I think I never saw the expressions of hospitality in such primitive simplicity as exhibited among the Nestorian Christians. Nor is their general kindness to the poor and suffering less remarkable. None are turned empty away; and those who have the means often lay up extra stores for the poor, and for months together provide them food and shelter.-Lev. xix. 34; Deut. x. 18, 19.

Their entertainments are in the true Hebrew style. The guests are invited by a servant, who is often† sent round the second time when the feast is ready. Each one is seated by the master of the feast accord

* Compare Jahn's Archæology, p. 196, 197.

Matt. xxii. 3.

P

ing to rank, the more honourable being invited to come up higher, while the others give him place; the governor of the feast presides; the social bowl circulates; all dip their hands into the dish, and occasionally one dips a sop and gives to another (a special kindness). They sit upon the carpet or floor, and lean forward, eating their plain food in a primitive

manner.

At their joyous festivals they have music and dancing; the tabret and viol, and David's harp, and the voice of singing. They observe their new moons and Sabbaths or solemn feasts. In mourning, they often cast dust upon their heads, rend their garments, clothe themselves in sackcloth or coarse attire, and sit in the ashes, or go to the grave to weep there.

In their dress, too, there is a striking conformity to that of the Jews about them; and, while their loins are girded about, their staff is in their hand, and their feet are shod with sandals. These last are sometimes made of hair, and at others of raw hide or leather, and little more than cover the sole of the foot.

Among their ornaments are earrings and nose-jewels; chains and mufflers, or spangled ornaments; headbands and stomachers; bracelets on their wrists, rings on their fingers, and platting of the hair; though in the mountains there is more of the modest simplicity of the days of Sarah.

Their employments are those of early antiquity. We see the damsels coming daily to draw water, with their pitchers on their shoulders, gleaning wheat in the fields in the time of harvest, or, like Rachel,

tending their fathers' flocks; while the virtuous woman seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She layeth her hand to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff, both being literally held in the hand. Women are seen grinding at a mill,* or braying wheat with a pestle in a mortar to separate the hull,† or churning milk (not cream) to bring forth butter, or gathering the grass, "which to-day is and to-morrow is cast into the oven;" making bottles of skins or leather to contain the wine which has been trodden in the wine-press by the feet. The vineyards, the threshing-floors, the winnowing of wheat while the chaff is driven before the wind; the threshing instruments having teeth; the reaping and the shouting of the harvest; the turning the rivers of water to fertilize their fields; planting of willows and other trees by the watercourses; the ploughs; the pruninghooks; the lodge in the gardens of cucumbers or melons; their food and drink, and the time of their meals; their domestic animals, beehives, and sheepfolds; their dwellings and amusements; their walking and sleeping upon the house-tops, and many other customs and peculiarities, are equally common to the ancient Israelites and the modern Nestorians.

It would surpass our limits to speak of other usages which might have been named in this connexion, and

* They also have water-mills for grinding, made in the most simple manner. These have but a single wheel, and the revolving stone and wheel are attached to the same perpendicular shaft.

The wheat is pounded in a large stone mortar, and the hull is only separated with great difficulty; but it is far more difficult to divest a fool of his folly.-Prov. xxvii. 22.