Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 5 1887.djvu/260

252 seemed, as a rule, always to turn the reverse way to what we usually do; and, except when the different couples were setting to each other, they invariably passed back to back.

The second dance was even more peculiar, inasmuch as it would seem to be a remnant of a period when every man's hand was against his brother. The performers may consist of any equal number of persons; they always dance in pairs. Before they begin each man is given a bundle of sticks or bamboos. This he holds in his left hand and a stouter stick is then handed to him, which he grasps with his right hand. At first all these men dance round and round with head erect, as if they were going to war, or were in search of adventures. Presently they narrow the circle, they assume a crouching attitude, their eyes glance here, there, and everywhere. The respective adversaries have been singled out, the intending aggressors make a feint or two, then bend their knees so that they are only about two-thirds their ordinary stature, at the same time they place their feet close together and make a succession of bounds or rather hops, like a frog, and with the sticks which they hold in their right hands the different attacking parties aim sundry cuts at the legs of the men whom they have selected as their adversaries. These latter now too take up the same kind of attitude; each endeavours to ward off the blows intended for him with the bundle of bamboos he holds in his left hand, whilst by a skilful hop he tries to return the attack and hit his antagonist's limbs. This kind of game goes on for perhaps an hour between the different pairs of combatants. It is a point of honour with them never to strike above the knee; but occasionally the players become excited, blood is drawn, and severe wounds inflicted.

Whether intentionally, or perhaps because one player is more skilful than the other, one of the parties is victorious in the end, the conqueror clasps his adversary round the waist and raises him from the ground, the vanquished man does the same. This is done to show that neither bears malice.