An Illini man, desiring to get married, sent presents to the girl’s
parents. If the suitor was acceptable, the parents kept the gift and
took the bride to the man’s hut the following evening. Apparently there
was no wedding ceremony.
Women had somewhat lower social status than their husbands. Wives did
not eat with their husbands. A man was permitted two or more wives and
often married two sisters. Children were well-treated. Infants were
bound to a cradle board that the mother carried around. The cradle was
pointed at the lower end and was stuck in the ground when the woman
wanted to rest. Divorce was accomplished by a simple agreement to
separate.