CHAPTER V.

GODS INFERIOR, OR HOUSEHOLD GODS.


1. ALOIMASINA--_Child of the Moon._

This was the name of a household god, and seen in the moon. On the
appearance of the new moon all the members of the family called out:
"Child of the moon, you have come." They assembled also, presented
offerings of food, had a united feast, and joined in the prayer:

"Oh, child of the moon!
Keep far away
Disease and death."

They also prayed thus before leaving the house to go to battle:

"Oh, child of the moon!
Bury up your hollows
And stumps of trees
And lumpy stones
For our running at ease."


2. APELESA--_Sacred fulness._

1. In one family this god was incarnate in the turtle. While one of