Antigua and the Antiguans. Volume 2

Page 147

HIGH-SOUNDING NAMES.

125

Moravians have formed a society among their own people, in which every member throws in a certain sum monthly, and when attacked by illness a doctor is found them and so much per week allowed until they recover. When any of these members of the Moravian society die, it is incumbent upon the rest to follow the deceased to the grave, or if they fail in so doing, a fine of 2s. currency is imposed upon them ; the consequence is, that, as few like to pay this penalty, they endeavour upon all occasions to be present. A christening sometimes gives rise to another entertainment, although, of course, not so grand as a wedding or a ball ; fruit, cakes, and wine forming the principal repast. The baby is very smartly dressed in a long white robe, smart cap or bonnet, and is carried in the arms of one who acts for the day as an attendant, with a parasol held over it to screen it from the sun's rays, although at other times it is exposed to every change of temperature with scarcely anything to cover it. In former times, the negroes were generally known by the names of “Sambo," " Pompey," " Quashy," " Quasheba,” &c, &c, but those days have long ago passed. The " march of intellect" has marched into the West Indies, and we now have " Arabella Christiana," " Adeline Floretta," “ Rosalind Monimia," &c, for the girls ; and " Augustus Henry,'' " Alonzo Frederick," “ Octavius Edward," and similar highsounding names for the boys. " What's in a name ?" is a query. I think a great deal ; but really it is perfectly ridiculous to hear such aristocratic appellations applied to your servants. The parents are not always satisfied with even two names, but are unconscionable enough to add a third. • To hear them accosted by these lengthy names brings to recollection " Miss Carolina Wilhelmina Amelia Skeggs," whom Goldsmith has immortalized.


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