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Tobago's
Courtship Codes - Golden
Lane, Village.
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Rich
in its folklore and
traditions, this village
gives an excellent
portrayal of the
traditional methods a
father used in order to
determine the suitability
of marriage partners for
his daughters, as they
existed in the past.
• A
young man first needed
the approval of his own
parents, for his choice
of mate .
• Once
this is obtained, his
parents would prepare a
gift of ground provisions
and small livestock then
journey to the
prospective bride's home
along with the young man.
• The
suitor's father must
present the dowry on
behalf of his son,
emphasizing his son's
ability to provide for a
wife as demonstrated by
the gifts just delivered.
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• Accepting
the dowry, the host parents would
at the same time be boasting of
the talents and virtues of their
precious daughter.
• Final
consent is given only when the
young man passes the test of
strength, based on his ability to
efficiently split a wooden log
into firewood using an axe.
• A
frenzied stream of activities and
comments ensues as the young man
battles with his task.
• If
he appears to be weak his father
would often hurl stinging insults
- intended to spur the lad on. On
the other hand, if he displays
prowess, his mother registers her
pride with smiles while his
father struts around boastfully
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A
failed suitor must leave in shame
without the gifts that were
brought.
A successful suitor is offered
the hand of the girl in marriage
and plans for the wedding are put
in place.
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