Arizona republican., 1895-01-06
CREMATION IN INDIA.
Terrible Sights Witnessed During
the Burning Of Human Bodies.
fmpressiveness of the Ceremonies Per-
formed at the funeral Pile - An
Agonizing spectacle for StraD-
gers to Behold.

IN travelling through India large bon
fires are frequently to be seen in Sc
ciuded 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 a
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 kinsman. Among
this particular caste the last tribute to
the dead is one striking in its solemn
originality. When life becomes ex-
5inct the body of the deceased, strong
iy impregnated with the odOr OF sweet
spices, is swathed in the finest linen
and permitted to remain a few hours
IN the midst of the bereaved friends,
whose lamentations and strange wall
Ings, as if from another world, are, to
say the least, appealing. In token of
their intense grief each member of the
family submits Immediately to the
operation of having the hair cut off the
head. Should it be widow who is left
to mourn, as her sorrow is still great
er, her head is completely shaven.
These daughters of the east overflow
with pride for their beautiful tresses.
Hence it is that it is sacrificed at the
altar of the dead
Meanwhile the remains, with much
ceremony, are borne forth on a wagon,
with an arch of rush mating of con-
siderable height conceaiipo it from the
vulgar gaze. 1t is usually drav-9 by
bulloclys and accompanied by imrlc1i-
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 purest white
sheets, withdraw to little distance
under the shade. Not 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 gloomily I'M
der the olive trees, whose duty it is to
keep the fire up to certain pitch,
never seeming TO relax a muscle.
Suddenly the gestures cease. An at
titude of intense anxiety now pre-
walls. The anxious eyes are now fixed
severely on the fire that is slowly con-
suming the remains of their fellow
man; they look expectant, OF as if on
the alert for something. Presently the
body, released of its pinions, severed
by the fire, moves. springs perhaps to
an upright position amidst the flames,
scattering the fire in all directions. 1t
is sight most revolving and horrible
IN the extreme. causing even a little
CONSERVATION among the natives To
The stranger the, spectacle is agOnizing
TO behold, for it seems a human soul
aurging and swaying amidst whirling
mass of blue vapOr, as if struggling in
deaths agony. We are told that when
the fire reaches certain portion of the
back the contraction cauaes the body
to rise to a 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-
figure with great poles, each mo-
ment with renewed vigor. until it re-
sists no longer and sinks, to be finally
lost amid the fury of the flames, the
fire having by this time increased to its
height.
Once more the mourners seek their
retreat and PROSTATE themselves 81
lantly at'the feet of the deities for some
moments, then utter loud calculations
and supplications to the gods, this
time, if possible, with greater solemnity
and reverence. Then they resume
their former positions, to keep again
their vigil of the dead. The voices die
out, and in silent meditation they pa
tiently watch the embers shoulder
away until all is over, and the ashes
of their kinsman are floating widely
through the air.
PUNlSHMENTS OF CRIMINALS.