Sisters' children are considered brothers instead of cousins, and the aunts are all called mothers, even when they live in other villages.
The wives of brothers call themselves sisters and are known by the name of "mother" by their nephews and nieces but sisters' husbands have no claim to relationship, other than that of cordial friendship.
Grandchildren give the title of "father" also to their grandfather and great-grandfather and that of "mother" to their grandmother so that these two words which have such a sacred significance to us, to the Sakais are but common appellations.
No tie whatever exists between the parents of the husband and those of the wife and neither between the latter (the father and mother of the wife) and their sons-in-law. They are only upon simple friendly terms.
Humourists who are fond of exercising their wit upon the eternal mother-in-law question would find no ground for their jokes among this people.
The daughter-in-law, on the contrary, recognizes her husband's parents as her own father and mother.
This does not, however, prevent her from still feeling and cherishing a fond affection for those who are nearest to her in blood and who were the authors of her being.
She goes very often to see them and is welcomed with great joy. At parting they give her good wishes and advice.
"Go, follow thy husband!".
"Take care not to fall by the way!".