THE LADIES’ WORLD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2474, 13 April 1909, Page 7

THE LADIES’ WORLD.

THE ETTIQUETTE OF MOURNING. The changes in the mourning of to:day are so striking (saj r s the ‘‘Queen”) 'that- they call for some explanation to reconcile them with the mourning of -past decades. It is not that we have become callous, or that we feel any disrespect towards the memory of those dear ones who have passed away; but simply that the strenuous life of the hour does not admit of nursing our grief in solitpde. Nowhere is this so striking as in the rules of etiquette observed by widows of the present day, and their mourning is in a great measure in accordance with those modern rules. The period of mourning is shortened from two years •and three months to eighteen months. It is true that some elderly widows,and even some middle-aged ones, cling to the traditions of the past, and wear 'black during two years, followed by half mourning for three months; indeed, declare that- they will never wear colors again, thus making etiquette for themselves, as the period above-named is the outside one for remaining In mourning. The shorter period of eighteen months is acceptable to most young widows. They were black for li’t'en months and half mourning for three months, which includes greys and lialfmourning colors. The bonnet and veil, i n their case are greatly modified; tho •one is now a becoming shape, and the other may be made of any soft material. Moreover, the widow’s cap is no longer a formidable shape, but a dainty headdress, and in some instances thus even is dispensed with altogether in the •ease of girlish widows. Then, too, the great lawn collars and cuffs, so conspicuous and of such uncomfortable wear, are often discarded in favoi of so*t materials in the way of frills and cuffs. Evening dress also has gained in attraction by the change which has set in with regard to it. Soft flowing materials are now worn, the bodice high to the throat, and tho sleeves to the wrist, ■while after three months the bodice is lowered, the sleeves reaching only to the elbow, which gives them a much smarter appearance. Jewellery, consisting of diamonds, is worn after the first three months, when the depth of the crepe trimmings is lessened. To turn to tho seclusion now in force as regards widows during their bereavements, it is, as we hove already said, or ' the slightest. A widow may resume her society life after the first month of her widowhood has expired, in so far as paying calls is concerned, and after two months she mav attend small informal afternoon gatherings and concerts. When three months have expired she may accept and give invitations . to -small dinners. This is the modern seclusion, but elderly ladies frequently make a compromise between tho short and long seclusion, and do not accept or give invitations until six months ■have expired. ABOUT CATSUP. THE Alt#-OF MAKING. SA cCES. '“Provide a man with aff appetising relish, such bs catsup,- to his luncheon ■of cold meat and salad and he mil be quite content.” was the advice given ; by one housekeeper to another. And although one can buy nowadays excellent relishes, there are many women who prefer to make their own. Those who try the following recipe are, sure to be pleased with the resuit: — CHUTNEY CATSUP. Pass through the meat chopper twelve sour, green a.pples, pared and •cored, six green tomatoes, four onions, and one cup of seeded raisins. Boil one quart cider vinegar for 20 minutes with two cups brown sugar, two tablespoons •of salt, and a spice bag containing one whole nutmeg, a piece of ginger root, -a brused stick of cinnamon, twelve whole cloves, and a tablespoonful of - allspice. Then add the vinegar and fruit, cooking to consistency of a think ;puree. Seal in air-tight jars.