Page:China- Its State and Prospects.djvu/227

Rh and removes the deities of various districts, just as the emperor does his officers; and no tutelary divinity can be worshipped, or is supposed capable of protecting his votaries, until the warrant goes forth under the hand and seal of this demon ruler, authorizing him to exercise his functions in a given region.

From the power which this individual is supposed to possess, his hand-writing is considered efficacious in expelling all noxious influences; and charms written by him are sold at a high price to those afraid of ghostly visits or unlucky accidents. In the absence of these autographs from the prince of the devils, each priest of Taou issues amulets, and large sums of money are realized by the disposal of small scraps of yellow paper with enigmatical characters upon them. Having induced the belief, that this year's imps are not to be terrified by last year's charms, they are particularly busy every new year, in writing out fresh amulets for the people; who would not rest securely in their habitations, unless fully assured that the devil was kept away by these infallible preventatives.

Death is with them peculiarly unclean; and, wherever it occurs, brings a number of evil influences into the dwelling, which are only to be expelled by the sacrifices and prayers of the priest of Taou. This is what they call cleansing the house; and, as it is attended with some expense, many prefer turning lodgers and strangers, in dying circumstances, out of doors, rather than have the house haunted with ghosts for years afterwards.

As it is necessary to purify houses, so it is important to preserve districts from contagion; and with this view public sacrifices are offered, to which the inhabitants generally subscribe. One of these solemnities is