12 illustration(s) from this book
NOTE 10.--_On Presents._ The custom of giving presents on the occasion
of paying a visit, or previously, which is of such high antiquity as to
be mentioned in the book of Genesis,[44] has continued to prevail in the
East to this day. Presents of provisions of some kind, wax candles, &c.,
are sent to a person about to celebrate any festivity, by those who are
to be his guests: but after paying a mere visit of ceremony, and on some
other occasions, only money is commonly given to the servants of the
person visited. In either case, the latter is expected to return the
compliment on a similar occasion by presents of equal value. To reject a
present generally gives great offence; being regarded as an insult to
him who has offered it. When a person arrives from a foreign country, he
generally brings some articles of the produce or merchandise of that
country as presents to his friends. Thus, pilgrims returning from the
holy places bring water of Zemzem, dust from the Prophet's tomb, &c.,
for this purpose.--Horses, and male and female slaves, are seldom given
but by kings or great men. Of the condition of slaves in Mohammadan
countries, an account will be given hereafter.