Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-02-08
URBAr1A. OHIO, wEDNEsDAY. FEBRUARY s, 1871

Mountain Cemetry. These conveyan'
ees were laden with Chinese men, wO-
men and children, also containing
many varieties of eatables. What does
it mean?' asked the new corners and
strangers. Upon being informed, many
Americans Joined in the procession,
until their numbers were increased to
thousands.
Twice in each year these heather peo-
pie who have buried relatives, proceed
to their burial places and make offer
ings of food, both liquid and solid. This
amount they deem sufficient to last
their friends six months.
On the way to The MissiOn,' las they
term it, there was one person in each
conveyance distributing bits of paper,
about six inches long and two wide,
pierced with many curiOusly shaped
holes. These were designed to keep
away the EVIL spirits which might
possibly appear to devOur their offer
ing.
4rriving at the Cemetry we found an
enclosed space 40 or 50 feet square, and
at one end of this enclosure was erect
ed stone table extending from end to
end. Here the priest was standing
waiting to begin the ceremonies. A
large gong announced that ali was in
readiness, and Immediately two men
came forward bearing huge tapers,
which they swung backward and for
ward in most frantic way. They then
took THAR places at either end of the Ia
ble with the priests. After this the de-
voters rushes in, filling the enclosure.
Bowling to the earth they remained in
this position until the food was placed
upon the table.
The priest chatted while each person
came forward and making an offering
of bits Of paper, which were of various
shapes and colOrs. Some represented
prayers, and Others good wishes and re-
quests. A fire was kindled among the
papers, and one man stood constantly
by stirring the fire, and watching that
all should be consumed. There were no
prayers repeated, for burning them an
sWers the same purpose, and has been
found to be more convenient.
When these were entirely consumed,
small cups of tea were handed about,
and Immediately the contents were
thrown to the four corners of the enclOs-
ure, and then instantly replenished.-
After little whiskey took the place of
the tea, and was likewise thrown about.
Icounted over 70 roasted pigs on the
table. These were now divided by one
blow between the shoulders. After this
all separated and passed to the graves
at the head of which they spread mats
and placed chopsticks upon them.
Then again followed a grand burning
of papers; after this they added to the
mat such delicaeies as they had prepar-
ed, consisting of a great variety OfmeRts
rice, fruits and pastry, together wite tea
whiskey and water. --.
They bowed their faces to the ground
and covered them with white cloth. An
old priestess came forward and tasted
of each article prepared, and threw a
part of every variety upon the ground.
When this was completed she sounded
a gong, and all fastened to gather the
remains of the feast and hasten to the
city. --.-- . s-
Arriving at home they held a grand
banquet and the food was distributed to
all-allowing even the poorest to have
a share. Fire crackers and papers were
burnt before the door, to prevent the
bad spirits from coming in at the close
of this their most sacred feast.-lrs. e.
Ryder