The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-03-26
SLAMS WHITE ELEPHANTS.
Mistaken Notions as to How They
Are Regarded by the People.

There is a mistaken impression that
the white elephant, the shang phoouk.
IS worshipped by the Buddhists of Siam
as a deity. said a missionary who has
recently returned from the Orient. The
Buddhists do not recognize a material
god in any form and are shocked at the
American idea that they worship an
elephant. There is. however. some ap-
preach to worship in their reverence for
whote animals, particularly the ele-
plant monkey, dove, sparrow stOrk
and swan. The reason of this rever-
ence is that under the Buddhist religion
each successive Buddha is supposed to
nave passed through a series OF trans
migrations and in turn occupied the
forms of white animals of a certain
class. The white elephant ranks first
because it is believed to be the tempo
Tary dwelling place of the soul of some
great parsonage, a king or great gen.
eral.
THE wisdom and knowledge of this
great parsonage are supposed to be re-
tanned while in this state. and the ele-
plant therefore knows what IS best for
those around it. It's presence thus pre-
vents national calamity and promotes
peace and prosperity So it is custo-
mary when d white elephant is found to
decorate it, bestow presents on it and
make it in every way a favorite of the
throne.
When an elephant of this sort is dis
covered prayers are ordered in all the
AElliRlCcs WAAAC the hunters go out 10
capture it. The bearer of the message
announcing its capture has his mouth,
ears and nOstrils stuffed with gold. and
the one who first discovered it is lib
orally rewarded. The elephant is receiv-
ed with great ceremony on the way TO
the capital, and d path is cut through
the forest for its convenient passage. At
every stopping place attendants sing
and dance, play musical instruments
and give exhibitions of skill for the
entertainment of the elephant.
Seventy miles from the capital the
king, his court, priests and great per-
sOnages, with musicians and cannon,
meet the elephant and conduct him to
his stable. which is a palace The cere-
monies continue for a week or ten days,
and consist of interesting details. He IS
knighted anointed his tusks are capped
with gold and he is given a title.
Festivities and entertainments centinuean
this time in his honor and at the cxplra-
ton Of the allotted time he is conducted TO
kings palace. Attendants are given him
and when he is given bath he is famed
with fans of gold. Purple robes are made
for him. and there is nothing that the IN
genuity Of the magnificent Orient can sug-
gest to add to the glory of his surround
ings that is omitted
These ceremonies no doubt have caused
the impression to exist in Christian coun-
tries that the elephant is WoTshipped as
god. Should an elephant die Of indigestion
and establishment during the period OF car
nivaI as once happened. there IS deep
mourning and the tusks and skin are pre-
served as relics During life the white eie-
casions and is stationed at the inner gate
Of the palace. At all times his 1000 IS Sc
lected with the greatest care ana ne Is
giren the most tender sprouts the country
sfforcls grass. sugar cane. Dlantains and
wheat made into cakes. and his drink IS
highly perfumed. washington star