The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1880-10-02
SUPERSTITION ABOUT DOGS.

1t is not surprising that the dogs-the
faithful and intellectual companion of
man-should have been from the earliest
times the object of 4 very varied folk
lore, besides holding Il conspicuous place
among the traditions and legions of most
countries. Indeed the origin Of that very
widespread superstition which recog-
nizes Il death omen in the bowling of
dog, may be traced to notion in Aryan
mythology which represents the soul as
taking its departure in the hour of death
to a distant land of spirits under the
escort of a fleet greyhound. According
to the Aryan religion, 1ama was the first
lightning born mortal who discovered
the way to the other world where he has
reigned ever since, and, for the sake of
men, sends the wind under the form of il
dog to conduct their souls at death across
the heavenly waters and over the Milky
Way to his home-the bright realm of
bliss. Hence. whenever this messenger
Of death was heard, either bowling out
side the sick mans house or speeding
alon. through the air with rapid pace,
the inmates trembled, for they knew at
any moment the soul of their friend or
relative might be required OF him. Thus
even at the present day. the bowling of
Il dog under the window is supposed to
foretell death-a superstition deeply root
ed everywhere in this as well as i'll most
other countries. The Parsees of Bombay
place dog at the bedside of the person
who is dying. that all eyes may rest up
on the animal at the last moment, and SO
find comfort in the assurance that Il
prompt escort is in readiness to convey
the soul to its everlasting abode. Such
protection. too. is. according to the Par
see belief, of the highest value; for as
soon as the soul arrives at the bridge
Tchinavat, Il fierce combat for its possess
sion takes place among the gods and un-
clean spirits. If the soul be pure and
good, then it is not only defended at this
ulo,tu CllSlS by pt1cl SottlN vi II INV
nature. but rescued by the dogs that
guard the bridge. Another variation of
the same legend substitutes the COW in
the place of the dog, and hence it was
made religious ordinance of the Hindus
that the dying person should, during his
| last moments on earth, take hold of the
| ~, Tho
drawn by COWS to the funeral pile, and Il
| black cow was led after it to the same
spot. and slaughtered there. The flesh
of the animal. says Mr.. Kelley, was
heaped upon the corpse as it lay on the
| pile, and the hide was spread over all
Fire was then applied, and when the
flames rose high a hymn was sung, in
which the cow was invoked to ascend
with the deceased to the land of the de-
| parted" Thus it is 4 German notion,
| not yet extinct, that the Milky Way is
the COW path; and it is still a popular
superstition that COW breaking into the
ward betokens death in the family.
Reverting however, to the dog 5 bowling
as death omen. it is interesting to trace
this piece of folk lore to its source i'll
Aryan mythology, being the survival OF
one of those numerous legends that have
been transmitted to us by the stream OF
tradition from the distant past. Although
therefore, but relic of heather mythol-
ogy, this superstition still retains its i'll
iuence as supernatural omen. AS !;
plea. however, for its prevalence even
among the educated, we might urge that
it is not unnatural for the mind. When
unstrung and over-balanced by the pres
ence Of sickness and impending death
to be oversensitiye, and to take notice OF