Courtship Codes

It is said that you can make a child but not his mind. Parents often see themselves as having a higher degree of responsibility towards their offspring and often go to great lengths to ensure their happiness and security. It is precisely this parental "duty" that is the focus of Golden Lane’s presentation of Courtship Codes.

In the old days potential marriage partners for a family’s daughter were very rigidly screened and checked to determine the seriousness of intent and the ability to provide for the well being of their daughter. Suitors often had to pass through a very rigorous "interview", had to formally propose in writing for the hand of the fair maiden and then had to demonstrate his physical ability by performing several bench mark tests such as splitting wood.

The selection process was certainly quite discriminating since suitors were turned back for the slightest shortcomings in either character or assets. Many a young man did not have enough "cattle in the bush" to qualify. As Golden Lane’s presentation typified some people go to extremes to ensure that only the best man will win their daughter’s hand.

This presentation was also interspersed with traditional song and dance and drumming. The dance presentations by the children especially warmed the hearts of patrons on this night.

The Courtship Codes do demonstrate the tremendous social importance placed upon the ability of a man to provide for his future bride and indeed underscored the prevailing opinions at the time with regard to the roles of men and women. An excellent reminder of the traditions of our forebears. There are some to this day who often clamour for the return of the ole time days.

Final consent is given only when the young man passes the test of strength, based on his ability to efficiently split a wooden log into firewood using an axe.A frenzied stream of activities and comments ensues as the young man battles with his task. If he appears to be weak his father would often hurl stinging insults - intended to spur the lad on. On the other hand, if he displays prowess, his mother registers her pride with smiles while his father struts around boastfully.