Page:Here and there in Yucatan - miscellanies (IA herethereinyucat00lepl 0).djvu/151

 in consequence of a family squabble between the sun and moon, and that the moon was wounded in the fray. The frightened men observed rigorous fasts, the women inflicted corporal punishment on themselves, and young girls drew blood from their arms.

In Yucatan, the descendants of the Mayas are convinced that when Luna is eclipsed she is sick in consequence of being bitten by some large American warlike ants called Xulabs, and that they will devour her if she is left without help. To frighten away her enemies they beat drums, blow shell trumpets, shout, beat their dogs, pinch the cats' tails, and fire rockets and guns towards the moon.