Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1906-02-17
SEVEN A MYSTIC NUMBER.
Quaint Ceremonies of the Maldivians in
the Coronation of an East
India Sovereign.

Sir John Keane, as representative of
the governor of Ceylon, has paid visit
to the Maldivc islands, the occasion be-
ing The assumption by the Sultan of the
sword of state, ceremony correspond
ing to a coronation.
The British party sailed in the Proser
pine of the East Indies squadron for
Mali, the principal island of the group
which extends in series of atolls for
600 miles. They lie very low, and a
first glimpse of them suggests simply
trees growing out of the water. Out of
the thirty-siX islands only nine are in
habited.
When the Proserpine anchored off
Mali, boat brought out the prime min
lister, Abraham Dide, and later a sple4l-
didly fitted state barge embarked Sir
John keane and his staff for the shore
The palace is close to the landing stage
The party were led by the royal bands
composed of twenty musicians playing
tOmtoms and trumpets. They performed
weird chant as the palace courtyards
were passed through.
The only way to the royal apartments
was up doubtful ladder The recep-
ton room was gloomy, but lined with
tapestry and covered with carpet. The
Stlltan-a young man gorgeously dressed
in long, green, silver embroidered
gown, with small, richly jeweled tur
ban-met the visitors. He is only about
20 years of age and hardly spoke above
a whisper. lie accepted gratefully gift
from the Ceylon government of sword
of honor and other presents.
Next day the Proserpine was gaily
dressed with flags, and a guard OF sea
men and marines landed and formed I'D
In the palace square. Sir John Keanp
and staff followed. Seven is Il mystic
mn hnn 81 l.
ceremony of assuming the state sword
had to be gone through seven times,
seven seats, three of which We're in
tents draped with coloFed materials and
the remaining four inside the palace pre-
clncts, having been erected for the cere-
mony. The Sultan, dressed III long
orange colored robe, with silver en-
brlodery, arrived from the palace sur
rounded by the high officials He was
preceded by twenty volunteers, neatly
dressed III white European uniforms and;
armed with rifles, and was followed ny
the royal body guard carrying spears and
shields
On arrival the Sultan was conducted
to his seat and surrounded by the prime
minister and all the other court digni-
taries. Then seven incense bearers hold
ing their ccnSers were uShered in and
ranged themselves i'm front of him, re-
naming there for about five minutes at
the end of which time their places we've
taken by seven fan bearers, each hold
ing 6eautiful fan of peacock feathers.
These proceeded to go through IA display
of tanning accompanied by the martial
strains of the bond outside. These in
turn were relieved by seven other bear,
ers, also holding fans folded to the shape
of bludgeOn. They also went through
series of motions, afterward giving
place to seven bearers with bottled rose
water, with which they proceeded 10
sprinkle his highness.
On these Withdrawing the Sultan rose
from his seat and was formally invested
with the sword of state by the high
priest. salute of seven guns from the
palace square and seventeen from the
Proserpinc announcing the fact to the
people of the islands, All the court.
headed by prime minister and high priest,
then did homage and kissed his highness'
shoes.
A similar ceremony took place at the
other seats The procession then made
the circuit of the island, hating at seven
shrines, where stands had been erected
for the women and Il space cleared for
the performers of special dances and
games.-London Daily Mail.