Page:History of Corea, ancient and modern; with description of manners and customs, language and geography (1879).djvu/358

 330 COREAN SOCIAL CUSTOMS. the seven-star board, — ^there being seven holes in imitation of the Bear. The wadded rug is put over the board, then the pillow, and the three thin boards, — one at the bottom, one in the centre, and one at the top. The cotton sash then ties the clothing over the body ; and the other two sashes, in the form of a cross, are tied over the shoulders. The serving men, sons, and younger brothers (of deceased) now all wash their hands, carry the body, and place it on the board in the coffin ; covering first the feet, then the head, then the left side, and lastly the right side. The cross sash is first tied, and then the middle (or waist) one ; and several men carry the body to the coffin. The teeth and hair which fell off during the man's life, together with the little bags containing the pared-off nails of fingers and toes, are put into a corner of the coffin. The empty spaces in the coffin are packed full with the clothing of deceased. When the coffin is full the second rug is placed over it, and a third, called the " Rug of Heaven,'' over all. During all this operation, the Shangjoo and Joofoo mourn and wail without cessation ; and the women retire into the inner apartments. The serving men cover the coffin, light a candle, and set the coffin to face directly south; and then the cloth covering is put on the coffin. The flagstaff is set up east of the coffin, and the board (Lingdso) on which the body had been resting is replaced in its original position inside the house. The Lingchwang or bed is also placed east of the body. On it are a cloth screen, a wadded rug, straw mat, screen door, pillow, washing articles, and coverlid. The wash bason, towel, and comb are to be placed on the Lingchwang, in the position and arrangement constantly used by deceased while in life. Food is offered as in Sidolien. The reciters and the various functionaries, washing their hands, place the sacrificial table, with food &c., before the coffin ; with chanting, burning of incense, pouring out spirits as before, and the younger and meaner people twice bow to the ground. The • utensils used in sacrifice are those of every day use,— except the vessels for containing spirits, which may be of gold or silver.