Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1902-09-03
PROFESSIONAL GODPARENTs.
The HInau Care MalsssH Bustness
10 serve as eOdfathsr to ~ Many
chndren as Possible.

In the United States almost an pro-
f~essions have been specialized. There
are colleges Of agriculture, mining,
psychology, and what not; but il has
been reserved for the Hindo people
20 mar to recognize the ~gOdfather as
q distinct calling; TO inaugurate col
leges Of g~odfathers, with professor
ships. students, and handsome prizes
for those most successful in this
unique field Of strenuous endeavor.
Long ago there were established e
various places in India colleges Of
grand gurus or godfathers. They
were perhaps more In the nature Of
Summaries or retreats than colleges
proper, but nevertheless the line Of
work taken up was that Of fitting
ones self for what we can best UNI
derHtand by the term godfather, says
the Boston Globe.
Not that anyone OF everyone could
enter these colleges, because in the
hrst place the profession Of a godfa-
ther, like that of most others in In
dia, was, and is, strictly hereditary,
and in the second they were reserved
Tor the %godfathers Of the great,
Kings, princes, and so forth. Still,
Tor the instruction Of godfathers
they were so intended and so re-
main.
These godfathers, whether grand or
ordinary occupy a most curious and
interesting place in the Indian fam
ly. Its hereditary nature is explained
n the manner that II Dat Is godfa-
her to Das, OATS eldest SON becomes
godfather to Das' eldest son, and so
N for generations. But as the Oats
,ould scarcely expect to live on one
lamily of Das', the former have nu-
nervous other godchildren bearing the
anne relative position, and over
whom they exercise a lifelong infu-
Dnce.
In fact, the Hindu godfather spends
is life going on a circuit of his god
hildren, and as the latter often live
ar apart, the period of a circuit may
AXE up a year or longer. But wheth-
: he be the godfather to a prince or
farmer, his reception is always at
ended with the highest honors. In
be old days the grand godfathers
raveled in great style, with escorts
I soldiers, bands of music, a parade
I gorgeously caparisoned elephants
nd horses. etc. They often exercised
reat political, as well as confidential
overs, and sometimes rose 20 be-
pine ministers Of state.
The ordinary godfather still goes
Is rounds according to the wealth
I'D position Of his clients or god
hildren in OK carts or on foot, as
le case may be. In general his re-
eption among the middle and lower
asses is as follows: When he APP
reaches his godson's house, notice
the event having been sent on in
l~vance. the wife comes forth with
bowl of water and greets her hus-
and's godfather with the saluta-
on: 30, holy guru, live foreveri"
Then she reverently kneels and
roceeds to wash the godfather's
pet, afterward drying them with the
men cloth which covers her head.
fter this she performs what we
ould regard rs not a very nice act.
be drinks some of the dirty water
Id reserves the rest as a talisman
yainst evil spirits.
On entering the house the godfa-
per is met by his godson with pres
ats and the probably not very sim
rely expressed hope that he win
over go away again. But stiIl, as
ng as he stays, he is treated as the
.ost honored guest. During his visit
settles up any family troubles, ar
lnges with other g~odfathers the
larriages Of his godson's children,
ecepting fees on each transaction.
Then, when he p~leases, he goes his
ay to his next godson's abode with
oney and provisions to provide for
5 journey.
Thus does the Hindu godfather
axe a lucrative profession Of what
to us a sentimental calling. His
fits, instead of silverware, valuable
inkets, etc, partake of the nature
flowers from some altar, sacred
ihes or crumbs from his food, all Of
hich are kept as relics.
AS his benediction is supposed to
move all sins, and his curse is re-
lrded as a calamity, it win be un-
erstood how very much more impor
mt a parsonage he is than his coun-
srpart 10 an occidental family.