Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1902-07-03

they most undoubtedly are. Well
worship has always occupied an i'm
portant place in paganism, and the
sacred oak, before which each pill
grim must thrice kneel ere humbly
presenting his offering-what is it but
an obvious survival Of the sacred
groves of Druidical times?
Similarly, the final rite, in which the
patient is towed thrice around the
island at the stern Of a boat with the
course of the sun, is clearly a custom
derived from those distant days, when
che alteration of that orb, the visible
source of light and life, was the ordi-
nary and obvious duty of those whom
he benefited.
But these are harmless observ-
ances. There is a darker side to the
picture. For instance, the cock has
always played prominent part in
paganism the world over. In India,
in Ceylon, in Haiti he is to this day
openly sacrificed by being buried
alive So, too, is he in parts of
Scotland; but secretly, at dead of
night, with much mystery, the object
being to effect cure in cases OF
epilepsy and insanity, by propitiating
the demon that is supposed to dwell
in those afflicted by these terrible
maladies. Also, it is said, it is by
no means unknown among the High
land crofters for one Of a herd Of cat
tie to be inferred alive after a SINH
lar fashion, as an offering to the
spirit of the murrain, when that dis
ease, or anything resembling it, is
more than usually prevalent.
Paganism is something which one
does not usually associate with
Catholic Ireland. 1t is a fact, how
ever, that along parts of the wild
Kerry coast mystic rites, which sa-
wants have had no difficulty in identi-
flying with those incidental to the
worship of the Greek god Priapus, are
performed to this day with more or
less regularity.
The natives-wild, ignorant fisher
folk for the most part-are shy of let
ting strangers know anything about
the rites in question, and inquirers
are usually bluntly told to mind their
own business, and not to pry into
matters with which they have no con-
Germ. 1t is known, however, that the
principal ceremony is emblematic of
those human sacrifices that were I'M
doubtedly exacted by the god of old
A youth of Is or 16 is the central
figure. On the morning of the day
appointed he is stripped naked and
carried to the sea beach, accompanied
by numbers of fishermen, their wives
and daughters. In front of him
marches an aged man flourishing a
Ratchet The rear of the procession
is closed by another venerable man
with a saw, which he also brandishes
in the air at certain intervals.
AS soon as the cortege arrives at
the waters edge the lad is dipped
thrice into the sea, after which the
whole following, both men and women,
form a ring round him and shout
joyfully. Certain emblematic passes
are also made over his head and
heart with the saw and the Ratchet,
after which he is carried, still nude,
back to the village whence he came
This mummery is supposed to not only
insure to fishermen taking part in it
an abundant harvest of the sea, but to
teeming f1ocks and fruitful fields
This, of course, is paganism pure
and simple; but it is a refined and
idealfzed form of paganism. In some
of the outlying islands, however, and
notably in Inniskea, off the coast of
Mayo, actual idolatry was openly prev
alent we'll within the memory of
peope now living, and, it is creditably
averred, is till secretly practiced.
The Inniskea idol is of stone; is
called in the Irish language Nee
vougi," and has been from time i'm
memorial religiously preserved and
worshiped. In appearance the god re-
sembles a thick roll Of homespun fan
| mel, which arises from the custom OF
dedicating to it a dress of that ma
terial whenever it's aid is sought.
This is sewn on by an old woman, it's
priestess.
Of the early history of the image no
! authentic information can be pro-
cured, but its power is believed by
its votaries, the islanders, to be i'm
mense. They have recourse to it IN
sickness, they invoke it's aid alike in
preserving from danger their friends,
and in confounding their enemies: and
especially is it solicited when it is
desired to calm the waves, to admit
OF the fishermen pursuing their voca-
ton or visiting the mainland for SUD.
plies.-Pearson's Weekly.