The Osceola times., 1881-10-15
JOINING THE CANNABALS.
How an American Hecame South sea
Islsnder-soms Curious Ceremonies.

asked az TO their designs. He told them
in reply that they wanted TO stay II they
we're allowed, and the parrator then goes
on TO say:
This somewhat surprised them, and
after brief interval, the priest gave us
TO understand that We could not remain
there unless as citizens, but in order to
our becoming such we must first embrace
their religion; this done it would be His
Maiesty's gracious pleasure to receive us
as his children.
This was a "sticker" Embrace their
religion, indeed. That was putting II
rather strong.
"What do you think of that, TONI"
81 don't see anything very rough about
it; we,might do worse"
Worse than become Pagan?
"It's only matter Of form anyway
"What do think, Jack?"
We'll, | am Of the same opinion as
Tom. II we wish 10 take il easy and
comfortable here We might MS well he
one Of them"
Besides" said Tom, "our conforming
TO their csrimonies does not prove our
sincerity. What is to hinder us making
believer"
"Well, if it is TO be only make believe
conversation" said |, that slightly alters
the case"
Then it's to be merely make be-
lieve?"
Certainly; make believe - nothing
more"
While We held our conference the
others listened and looked on with much
interest, narrowly scanning the face of
each speaker. | WAS delegrted to inform
the priest that we had made our decision,
and would do as the king and the laws
required.
At this there was a great Frightening
up Of countenances. A signal was given,
and the king and the courtiers left the
hall. while we were told to remain there
for the present, in company with the
priest. who evinced great friendship, and
q few others. After waiting about half
an hour, we heard noise of an approach
ing multitude, accompanied with beat
ing of rude drums sounding like empty
nail kegs, blowing of conch shells, and
female voices shouting a barbarous chant.
As the head OF the musical column
halted at the entrance of the stockade,
the priest motioned to us that all was
ready, when We Immediately stepped
forth. A sight met our gaze Us we made
our exit that almost took away our
breath.
A lane of human beings was formed
leading from the council-house, down
the valley, till it was lost under the over
arching trees of the road, beyond which
we conld not see. This lane was com
posed Of two lines on either side facing
inwards. or toward u.s. the to inner or
nearest lines were the women OF the ma
ton decked in gala attire, /. e., wreaths
Of flowers on their heads, their long
shining black hair hanging below their
waists, garlands of flowers around their
necks, while their tappd waist-cloths
we're similarly decorated, with this ex-
ception, they were not encumbered with
any other costumes. Bear in mind that
the climate was very warm. These
females did the singing Behind these
stood the male performers, who, as we
appeared, blew their shell horns and
beat their drums with incr ,ased energy.
About a dozen PAGES in front OF us,
standing backward to us, was an escort
OF about twenty maidens-the bellies OF
the nation-decorated similar to their
sisters, in line, and further provided
with a number of wreaths and gar
lands.
At a signal from the priest these
maidens advanced in the direction to-
ward which they were facing, breaking
into q chant, which was taken up by the
two lines Of women, with instrumental
accompaniment. We moved onward in
rear. the whole concourse turning inward
form the gate and following us in regular
order. Thus We proceeded till we passed
under the outrageous arch, and after
ich We turned to the left and beheld
large enclosure on hill, in the center
OF which we deserted square stone
building or mound something like
mausoleum, or, if it had been larger,
reservoir
As We drew near we observed near the
entrance the king, while behind him, in
ssmi-circle, where his ministers and
chief men. Close to the gate in two
lines on both sides, were the pries q,
designated as such by long cloaks Of
tappa cloth almost touching the ground.
We halted as we entered the open space
in front Of the king, where the maids
Immediately placed their superhous
WFeatUS on our ne3ns ana gdridnds
around our necks. This done, an aged
priest advanced 10 the gate, and in a
loud voice made sort Of proclamation,
apparently addressed to the inmate, or
supposed inmate, Of the mausoleum,
coIcludinghi remarks with the exclama.
ton, "h.p,"
This was taken by the whole nation in
response, who also shouted "Ff.pir
Then our attendant priest intimated TO
us what to do, when one by one We
advanced to the gate and shouted az loud
as we could, "H-pi" This was again
taken up In response by the entire peo
pie, and then the ceremony closed.
The procession then reformed, and
with the king and executive department
at its head proceeded, amid the acclama.
tions Of the multitude. back to the
stockaded palace. On arrival the peop.e
dispersed to their several abodes, leaving
rs there with the king and two or three
chiefs or dignitares, including our old
friend, the priest. 1t was now sunset
and Just S darkness came on, lamps
q palm oil suspen ded in shells hanging
from joists above we're lighted, shedding
not brilliant light, but still sufficient
for all purposes. This done, another
bounteous meal was spread in the man
ner az was the previous one, Of which
the king and all present partook.