The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1895-02-23
CREMATION IN INDIA.
Terrible SIGHTS Witnessed During
the Burning OF Human Bodies.

Inpreesivenese Of the Ceremonles Per-
formed ~ the Funeral Pile An
Agonixing Spectacle for stsaa-
gers to Behold
In travelling through India large bon
fires are frequently to be seen in se-
cluded spots on the outskirts Of cities,
surrounded by apparently merry-mak-
ing circles of natives The scenes which
greet the observer OF such are often
grand and impressive. Such was the
one which it was the good fortune Of q
writer for the Boston Transcript to
witness. One afternoon, while wander
ing through the suburbs Of Bombay to
escape for awhile the hustle and con-
fusion Of this magnificent city of tenn
pies and palaces, he discovered through
the trees in the distance the familiar
bonfire. Being an American, with the
bump of curiosity strongly developed,
an irresistible desire to approach this
particular spot predominated. The
scene contrasted strangely with what
was anticipated. A group of men sat
piously guarding this sacred fire, for it
proved to be that the last rites were
being enacted to a kinsman. Among
this particular caste the last tribute to
the dead is one striking in its solemn
originality. When life becomes ex-
tinct the body of the deceased, strong
ly impregnated with the odor of sweet
spices, is swathed in the finest linen
and permitted to remain few hours
In. the midst Of the bcFeavod friends,
whose lamentations aud st1an8ewail-
ings, q il h6m another world, IRE, to
sav the least appealing. In token OF
their intense grief each member Of thu
family submits imnediately ia the
operation of having the hair cut of the
head. Should it be widow who is left
to mourn, as her sorrow is still great
cr, her head is completely shaven.
These daughters OF the east overflow
with pride for their beautiful tressea.
Hence it is that it is sacrificed at the
altar of the dead.
Meanwhile the remains, with much
ceremony, are borne forth on wagon,
with an arch of rush mating Of con-
siderable height concealing it from the
vulgar gaze. It is usually drawn by
bulloclxs and accompanied by immedi-
ate friends only, to receive earth's
last peace offering at the shrine of the
gods.
Arriving at the holy place the de-
ceased is taken from the bier and
placed with much solemnity in the heat
of the yet slowly kindling brands.
The men, wrapped in the purcst white
sheets, withdraw to a little distance
under the shade. Not a word is spoken,
no requiem sung The time is devoted
to silent supplications to the gods,
whose brazen or stone figures stand
near by, in attitudes of the profoundest
humility. At intervals raising their
heads apparently, then falling to the
earth on their faces, again standing
with their arms extended, they offer
their petitions. A few sit gloomilv un-
der the olive trees, whose duty it is to
keep the FIRE up to certain pitch,
never seeming to relax muscle.
Suddenly the gestures cease. An at,
titade Of intense anxiety now pre-
walls. The anxious eyes are now fixed
on the fire that is slowly con-
suming the remains of their fellow
man; they look expectant, or as if on
the alert for something. Presently the
body, released Of it's pinions, severed
by the fire, moves, springs perhaps to
an upright position amidst the flames,
the fire in all directions. 1t
is ? sight most revolving and horrible
in the extreme, causing even little
among the natives. To
the stranger the spectacle is agonizing
to- behold, for it seems a human soul
surging and swaying amidsta whirlinR
mass of blue vapor, as if struggling in
deaths agony. We are told that when
the fire reaches . Ger tain portion of the
back the contraction causes the body
TO- rise to q; sitting, position. All the
mourners in one accord call upon the
name of the Most High, then rush to-
the spot and press heavily on the ghast-
fignre. with great poles, each. mo-
ment with renewed vigor. until itsrc-
sists no longer and sinks, to be finally
lost amid the fury of the flames, the
Gre having by this time increased to its
height.
Once more the mourners seek their
retreat and prostrate themselves si-
emily atathe feet of the deities for some
then utter loud ejaculations
md supplicatiohs@ to the gods, this
time, If possible, with greater soaemnity
md reverence. Then they resume
heir former positions, to keep again