Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-10-17

much 20 be dreaded by wealthy Hlndoc'
for on either occasion there has 10 De con-
siderable spent on feasting not only the
relatives. but a host OF dependents; ana,
ns without a FEAST the soul OF the depart
e3 one Is Dbl danger OF not tasting the joys
OF the life hereafter, funeral feast IS re-
aUy often the real source Of the woe on
such occasion. As "a matter of course the
Buhmins figure nspicuously, for 1t
is hoped that through their inter
ccs ions will the dead man gain heavenly
bliss.
. The ceremonies that have just been de-
scrib4d obtain only in the upper portion
Of India. which may be said TO include
every northern province. In Madras
matters are arranged more scientifically.
There much OF the hideOusness taat is so
revolving 20 a person of delicate nerves is
hidden. There are no fierce flames TO be
seen cracking around and burning the
corpse, no terribly-ofiensive doors, but,
on the contrary, at a high-caste funeral
there is % be seen the greatest respect
paid 10 the dead, and also every possible
Arrangement to deprive the funeral Of its
ghastly effect. The body is laid in a slOp-
ing position, resting on a heavy bed Ofdry
straw. This straw bed rests upon a solid
stone foundation mbedded in cement.
When the straw bias been laid and be-
HI'- tti lftN lItft tunes FiiElA4r WIN Ablf
water the body is laid upon il. the legs
are crooked up tailor-iashi0n, and the
body is clothed in pure white Of pecu-
liar linen used solely for the shrOu1ing Of
the dead. The corpse is then covered
with white flowers, the only part that Is
visible being the face The cheeks are
painted bright red. After the surviving
son has passed around the pyre three
times, muttering a mantram, with the
pot in hand containing the holy fire. be
lights the pyre. The straw is speedily
absze, and the slight layer OF wood is soon
burning, and when the flames begin to
touch the body it is covered with a thick
coating Of mud, 50 that the corpse
is actually burned within covering. II
is thus left for three days, when this
coating Of mud is broken open, and the
collected ashes are thrown into the ada
cent river.
No sooner has the mourning "cortege"
leltthe spot where under the mud dome
is burning the corpse than the eldest son
prepares himself for the last rite Of the
ceremony. He disrobes entirely, and,
taking up his position near the late pyre.
gets shaved from head to foot, the razor
passing over every inch Of his body's sur
face. Here, as In northern India, the fu-
neral feast is observed rigidly, and the
number of people FED is generally more
than the purse Of the dead man can actu-
ally afford.
Death In India is not looked upon with
that mysterious awe as in more northern
countries. Its presence is so universal,
its operation so rapid, and the removal so
sudden. either by burning or burial, that
the beTeaved have never the time given
TO indulge in the luxury Of grief by the
unpleasant spectacle Of having the dead
in their midst. Funeral ''corteges'' in all
arts OF India are dis0rderly and It is not
uncommon for them 10 indulge in unseen
ly fighting with each other when tnev
are under the impression that one Of them
is perhaps Sinking his portion Of the load
when carrying the corpse 10 the CHAT.
Perhaps never to better advantage does
the philosophical nature OF the HindOO
show than on the occasion OF death.
Rarely does n mother. even when almost
beside herself with griet over the closeup
preaching death of her son, once make a
moan after the breath has left the body.
death has Gomez she says, land hence
let there be no weeping" Ana hired
mOurners are engaged for that unpleasant
task, while she viii with fearless eyes fol
low the remains Of her child.