Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1893-1895, 1895-01-05
nav f1t joAlENfALs ceu1Ars.
~. r,r.. In which the Body Rises to
sitting Posture.

oDsn Fires In which the Body Rises 10
sitting Posture.
Tn travelling through India large bon
eres are frequently to be seen in secl"d'
"a s,,ots on the outskirts Of cities, sur
ronnded by apparently merrymakine
ciroles Of natives. One afternoon WhlIe
wandering through the suburbs Oh DUN,
hov IN oscape for awhile the hustle ana
confusion of this magnificent Guy u
temples and palaces l discovered thrCugn
the trees in the distance the 1alnlli"i li
bonfire. Being an American, with tnt
hump of curiosity strongly developed
an irresistible desire to approach tnl'
narticular spot predominated. The scene
oontrasted strangely with what was an,
ticipated. A group of men sat plousiy
ouording the sacred fire, for 1t proved to
ba that the last rites were being enacteu
| to kinsman.
Among this particular caste the last
tribute TO the dead is one striking III lts
solemn originality. When life becomes
extinct. the body of the deceased,
strongly impregnated with the odor OF
sweet spices. is swathed in the finest
linen and permitted to remain lew
bours in the midst Of the bereaved
frionds. whose lamentations and strange
wailings, as if from another world, are,
TO say the least, appalling. In token OF
their intense grief each member OF the
family submits Immediately to the oper-
alton of having the hair cut off the
head. Should it be widow who Is left
to mourn. as her sorrow is still greater,
her head is completely shaved. These
daughters of the east overflow with PRIDE
for their beautiful tresses; hence 1t Is
that il 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 consld-
erable height concealing it from the
vulgar gaze 1t is usually dawn by
bullocks and accompanied by immediate
friends only 10 receive earth S last peace
Offering at the shrine of the gods Ar
irving at the holy place, where the
great fire already begins to loom out
under the canopy of heaven, the deceas-
ed is taken from the bier and placed,
with much solemnity, in the heat of the
yet slowly kindling brands. The men,
wrapped in the purest white sheets,
Withdraw to little distance under the
shade. Not a word is spoken; no re-
uuiem 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 ap-
parently, then falling to the earth on
their faces, again standing with their
arms extended, they offer their poti-
tons A few sit gloomily under the
olive trees, whose duty it is to keep the
fire up to certain pitch, never seeming
to relax muscle.
Suddenly tho. gestures cease. An at
titude of intense anxiety now prevails.
rhe anxious cyts are fzCl severely on
the fire that is slowly consuming tie
remains of their fellow man. They look
expectant, as if ON the al,rt for some
thing. Presently the body, released Of
its pinions, severed by the fire, moves,
springs perhaps to an upright position
amid the flames, scattering the fire in
all directions. 1t is sight revolving
and horrible in the extreme, causing
even little CONSERVATION among the
natives. To the stranger the spectacle
is agonizing to behold, for it seems
human soul urging and swaying amid
whirling mass of blue vapor as if
struggling in deaths agony. We were
told that when the fire reaches a partic-
ular portion Of the back the contraction
causes the body to rise to q sitting posi-
tion. All the mourners in one accord
call upon the name Of the Most High,
then rush to the spot and press heavily
on the ghastly figure with great poles,
each moment with renewed vigQr, until
it resists no Longer aud siuks, to be
fnally lost amid the fury Of the flames,
she fire having by this time increased to
its height.
Once more the mourners seek their
retreat and PROSTATE themselves silent
ly at the feet Of the doitios for some
moments, then utter loudly ejacula.
ions aud supplicatians to the gods, this
timc, i possible, with greater solemni-
y AID reverence Then they resume
'holr former positions, to keep again
'hcir vigil Of the dead The voices die
Iut, aud 81 silent meditation they pa
Llently watch the embors smolder away
until all is over and the ashes OF their
kinsman are floating widely through