The remainder is given to the people. This is the
great day for visiting among friends. The salutation begins by the
question, "Has the milk boiled?" To which the answer is, "It has
boiled." From this, the festival takes the name of pongul, which
signifies to boil.
The third day is called the _Pongul of cows._ In a great vessel, filled
with water, they put saffron and other things. These being well mixed,
they go around the cows and oxen belonging to the house several times,
sprinkling them with water. After this, the men prostrate themselves
before them four times. The cows are then dressed, their horns being
painted with various colors. Garlands of flowers are also put round
their necks, and over their backs. To these are added strings of
cocoa-nuts and other kinds of fruit, which, however, are soon shaken
off, when they are in motion, and are picked up by children and others,
who greedily eat what they gather, as something sacred. After being
driven through the streets, they are suffered, during the day, to feed
wherever they please, without a keeper. I have, however, told you
enough. Are you ready to exclaim, Is it possible that a people can be
guilty of such utter folly? But you, my dear children, would be guilty
of just such folly, if you had not the Bible.
Pages:
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77