A Custom of the Hindus

Hindus (Hindustani) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism. Historically, the term has also been used as a geographical, cultural, and later religious identifier for people living in the Indian subcontinent. ~ 

Image above by the Indian painter M.V. Dhurandhar manages to convey a real sense of personality and drama to the situation through the face and gesture of the priest.

The frequent invitations every woman receives to “run in and spend the morning with me” gives a forcible suggestion of how little any one must have to do who can afford to take the golden hours of the day for social recreation. The Hindus have a custom, when detained too long by a prosy or untimely visitor, of rising and saying courteously, “Go, and come again.” 

The guest never thinks of resenting the decidedly broad hint, but, receiving it in the spirit in which it is offered, makes his adieu. While the introduction of this habit into America may not be altogether practicable, it would be well if the plea of pressing occupation could be accepted by one woman from another in the same manner that similar excuses are exchanged between business men. -Christine Terhune Herrick in Philadelphia Press, 1886

  🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia