Page:Madras Journal of Literature and Science, series 1, volume 6 (1837).djvu/285

1837.] present. The chief priest was on these occasions attired in dun coloured robes; the two others in purple, and carrying small bronze bells. These feasts terminated like that at the temple by a general conflagration of the images, paper, &c. for the use of the spirits. The Lo-chu and Taokis for the next year were then chosen in the following manner. The Lo-chu of the past year proceeded towards the painting of the Penates at the end of the room, and lighted several sticks of incense; steadfastly regarding the picture, he cast the divining bamboos, one from each hand, on the carpet, and pronounced at the same time the name of one of the candidates. Should the keaou pec turn up successfully twice, he is chosen—if not, the Lo-chu proceeds to cast them in the name of the next aspirant.

On the last day of the month, the feast to the spirits of orphan children took place at the temple with great display. The sweetmeat, fruits, &c. on the table were cut into a variety of fantastic forms, scorpions, rats, dogs and centipedes. In place of the hideous Tye-su, god of disembodied spirits, the image of a fair and beautiful female, the tutelary goddess of children, having a halo around her head, presides. Two children are represented standing before her. She, however, is doomed to the fire, and takes charge of the paper, houses &c. for the benefit of the infant spirits in the other world. The offerings were so numerous as to form a splendid funeral pyre; and at midnight the goddess sank into the curling flames, amid the clash of cymbals, the noise of gongs and bells, and the chanting of the prayers of the priests.