, 1876-07-16


In Its many turnings the path again led tfe
visitor to the near neighborhood Of the river
More music OF the same kind, but somewhat
more solemn and sonorus, was audible upon the
right. From behind c1ump Of trees and BAN.
boos, in which snug homestead lay cmbowered,
emerged a long procession. In front came the
musicians, then several men carrying stavcs,
then gayly-dressed object on a ,tri.
umphal chair, and then q body OF men and o
very few women; all Of whom togcther-per.
force moving along the narrow path in single
flle-made up goodly show. Upon the trfum-
phal chair was seated, in gorgeous robes OF
scarlet, with tinsel crown and jewels, divin-
fty OF wood with pink complexion, q long
black beard, and Aryan features. The chair
was borne high on the nccks Of four stalwart
coolies; aud by its side, steadying it as it
swayed to and fro in its passage along
the narrow WY, walked with difficulty,
owing to the narrowncss of the path, a grave
citizen Of the higher class. Lictors, bearing
ers, lMtors, nusicians-wore peculiar head
dress, a kind Of tall tlower-pot-shapcd hat, with
brim not unlike those seen in illustrations of
the life Of our English Puritans. As the pro-
cession passed in front Of the homestcads the
inmates came out and exploded whole strings
Of crackers. In front Of many houses small
altars we're placed, on which were burning
slender scarlet tapers, aud little sheayes Of in
cense sticks placed in ccnsers Ut brass or earth
enware. Children were brought out by their
mothers, and taught to render obcisance-to
chin chin, as the expression in the ssPldgin !"
dialect ito the image rs it was carried by.
The blasts OF music grew louder and louder,
gongs were sounded, more crackers were e1-
ploded, and the procession turned of to wind
about among the fields. Strange and grotcsque
%&1l {cft fuf}o1 fnfc ff
the periodical outings Of St. Spiri:ione to bless
the vineyards Of the oliFe-groVcs of Corfu. It's
meaning was thus explained In "Pidgin" By
by5tander who has slight knowledge OF that
wonderful dialect. Thrice year the divinity
is carried forth in solemn procession, that sick
ness may he warded off from the country. 4
Of tunsuli lying in one spot, rather
closer together than was usual, formed quite
hillock on the uaending plain. Thither the pro-
ccssion wended its way, aud on the summit Of
awning, the image was deposited. An attendant
fired OF four barrels Of quaint petard, Tolleys
Of crackers were exploded, and fire was lighted
on the ground before the image. a Bonze, with
shayen head, then advanced, reclted
3 long prayer, and scattered bowltuls of cooked
money, mado Of gold and silver paper, we're
offered up and burned in the fire. The
Bonze rang bell and said more prayers
The image was lifted up in its chair, and the
procession moved onward on its way. A small
temple stood not far off. In its main hall the
ii7i:littcs we're being rega1ed with a sumptuous
banquet. Three long tables covered with vi
s-swcetmcats, fruits, vegetables, and the
inevitable roasted pg-wera stretched athwart
the pavement of tile hall At the upper end Of
each werc placed three images both male and
female, all bedizencd with tawdry flnery OF
tinsel aud inferior silk. Here was q veritablc
t lcctisternium," !" OH small provincial scale it
IT the great !" Epulum Jovis," held ages ago In
he Roman Capitol. Crowds Of peasants were
standing outside looking on. In the court in
ront were piled strengthening instruments OF
nusic-afes, tru,apets of prodigious length, and
yuitars made Of snake-ski11.