Mother and Child
Photograph
Mother and Child
From the album Photographic Views and Costumes of Japan
ca. 1868
Albumen silver print with applied color
25.3 x 20.0 cm.
Purchase
1979.0059.0022
Inscriptions (applied label, printed, opposite page):
MOTHER AND CHILD.
SIR Rutherford Alcock calls Japan a very paradise of babies! Once a year, about May, there is a grand fête called Matsz-ri, held in honour of all the male children ; on which occasion large paper fish are hoisted on a pole or bamboo, over every house where a son has been born, during the past twelve months. There is a similar Matsz-ri also for girls, but later in the year.
Until children are able to walk they are carried on the back in the manner shown in the accompanying picture ; either by the mother, or, sometimes, by a brother or sister very little older than the infant. Parents have the power of selling their children, and frequently do so, especially those of the female sex.
One fact may be noted respecting the treatment of children, viz.,--that they are seldom or never harshly used, or chastised, or even rebuked; but they seem always to be happy, and on terms of easy confidence with their elders, although taught to be respectful to them. There is wonderful patience shewn by parents in quieting young children, and both patience and care displayed in their early education.
MOTHER AND CHILD.
SIR Rutherford Alcock calls Japan a very paradise of babies! Once a year, about May, there is a grand fête called Matsz-ri, held in honour of all the male children ; on which occasion large paper fish are hoisted on a pole or bamboo, over every house where a son has been born, during the past twelve months. There is a similar Matsz-ri also for girls, but later in the year.
Until children are able to walk they are carried on the back in the manner shown in the accompanying picture ; either by the mother, or, sometimes, by a brother or sister very little older than the infant. Parents have the power of selling their children, and frequently do so, especially those of the female sex.
One fact may be noted respecting the treatment of children, viz.,--that they are seldom or never harshly used, or chastised, or even rebuked; but they seem always to be happy, and on terms of easy confidence with their elders, although taught to be respectful to them. There is wonderful patience shewn by parents in quieting young children, and both patience and care displayed in their early education.
