Page 131 - TheHopiIndians

MESA FOLK OF HOPILAND 123
the reason. As elsewhere, the young man must show
some possession and likewise an ability to provide be
fore he can take the step of matrimony, and of course,
the most inflexible rule of all those which regulate
the affairs in Hopiland is observed in making the
choice of a wife — the absolute prohibition against
marriage between members of the same clan. If both
have the totem of the tobacco plant, for instance, it
would be hopeless to think of union even if it were
imaginable that such a thing would ever enter a
Hopi's thoughts. There may be no relationship, but
if the clan name is the same, there is an effectual bar.
One of the sure signs that matters are going smooth
ly is when a girl is seen combing a young man 's hair,
seated perhaps in the doorway where all the world
may stare. This is taken to mean a betrothal, but
long before this in a community where everyone's
business is known, the "match" has been no secret.
Hopi courtship presents advantages. No prospective-
ly irate parents have to be asked ; the Peaceful People
do not put thorns in the path of true love, but let,
things adjust themselves in a simple, natural way.
There are no first families with pride of birth, or
wealth, no exclusive circles or cliques, there is no bar
except the totem in this perfect democracy.
When the young people decide to be married, the
girl informs her mother, who takes her daughter, bear
ing a tray of meal made from white corn, to the house
of the bridegroom where she is received by his mother