more brilliant.




CHAPTER V.

DEATH AND FUNERALS OF THE HINDOOS.


My dear Children--The death of a Hindoo is followed by many ridiculous
ceremonies. I will give you a description of a few, connected with the
death of one who has moved in one of the higher ranks--of a Brahmin.

[Illustration]

When it is evident that a Brahmin has but a little time to live, a space
is prepared with earth, well spread with cow-dung, over which a cloth,
that has never been worn, is spread. The dying man is placed upon this
at full length. Another cloth is wrapped around his loins. This being
done, the ceremony of expiating his sins is performed as follows. The
chief of the funeral brings on one plate some small pieces of silver or
copper coin, and on another the punchakaryam, etc. A little of this
punchakaryam is then put into his mouth, and, by virtue of this nauseous
draught, the body is perfectly purified. Besides this, there is a
general cleansing, which is accomplished by making the dying man recite
within himself, if he cannot speak, the proper muntrums, by which he is
delivered from all his sins. After this, a cow is introduced with her
calf. Her horns are decorated with rings of gold or brass, and her neck
with garlands of flowers. A pure cloth is laid over her body. Thus