As to the lower classes of the population, if we would obtain an idea of
their manners and customs, we must stroll on a fete-day into one of their
eating-houses.
In one corner, on the ground, crackles a tremendous fire, surrounded by
innumerable pots and pans, between which are wooden spits with beef and
pork, simmering and roasting with appetizing savour. A rude wooden frame-
work, with a long broad plank on it, occupies the middle of the room, and
is covered with a cloth, the original colour of which it is impossible to
determine. This is the guest-table. The dinner is served up in the most
primitive fashion imaginable, all the viands being heaped up in one dish;
beans and rice, potatoes and roast beef, onions and paradise apples,
forming a curious medley. The appetites of the guests are keen, and no
time is wasted in talking. At the end of the repast, a goblet of wine or
water passes from hand to hand; after which every tongue is loosened. In
the evening a guitar strikes up, and dancing becomes general.
A singular custom prevails among the Chilians on the death of a little
child. This incident, in most European families, is attended by much
sorrow: the Chilian parents make it the occasion of a great festival. The
deceased _angelito_, or little angel, is adorned in various ways. Its
eyes, instead of being closed, are opened as wide as possible; its cheeks
are painted red; then the cold rigid corpse is dressed in the finest
clothes, crowned with flowers, and set up in a little chair in a flower-
garlanded niche.
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