The two square cloths resembling “D’oyleys” represent two different patterns of the gĕdĕbong,
a cloth (in three thicknesses and sizes) used for wrapping up the presentation betel-leaf during
the period of betrothal.Page 366.The Malay fiancée, unlike her European sister, is at the utmost pains to keep out
of her lover’s way, and to attain this object she is said to be “as watchful as a
tiger.” No engagement-ring is used in this neighbourhood, no priest (or Lĕbai) is
present at the engagement ceremony, nor is the girl asked for her consent. On the
other hand, a regular system of exchanging presents, after the engagement, is
said to have been formerly in vogue in Selangor, the man sending betel-leaf,
fruit, and eggs to his fiancée from time to time in net-work receptacles, and the
woman sending specially prepared rice, etc. in rush-work receptacles of various
patterns. It is said, too, that the woman would occasionally carve a chain,
consisting of three or four links, out of a single areca-nut, in which case the
prospective bridegroom was supposed to redeem it by the payment of as many
dollars as there were links. The betel-nut presented on these occasions would be
wrapped up in a gradation of three beautifully worked cloths, not unlike
“D’oyleys” in general appearance, whilst the actual engagement ceremony in
former days is said to have received additional interest and formality from the
recital of verses appropriate to the occasion by chosen representatives of each
party. Specimens of the betrothal verses formerly used in Selangor will be found
in the Appendix. The following is a translation:—
“Q. Small is my cottage, but it has five shelves
For roasting the kĕrisi fish;
Hearken, good people, whilst I inquire of you
What is the price of your Diamond^69 here?A. Your fishing-line must be five fathoms long
If you would catch the tĕnggiri fish;
Seven tahils, a kati, and five laksa,^70
That is the price of our Diamond here.Q. If there are no rĕngas trees growing on the Point,
One must go up-stream and cut down a screw-palm;