Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 August 1893 — THEY DANCE IN WORSHIP. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THEY DANCE IN WORSHIP.

Fantastic Cnremonls* of Somo of tho l)ervlalio* of tho Orlont. The dervlshos in Mohammedan countries are a religious class corresponding in some respects to the monks of Christendom. Tliero are many orders, distinguished by pecullarlties of faith, ceremony and costume. f-'ome live in monasteries, others dwell in villages, but all profess poverjty and humility and some chastity. Their religion prescribes mortification, but their practices are very often inconsistent with their professed standard. Many of them lead a vagrant life, traveling all over the countries of tho East and being supported by convents of their order. The Mevlevls are the most numerous. They indulge in fantastic dances, In which they whirl around with groat

rapidity to the music of a flute, generally not ceasing until they arc overcome by exhaustion and drop on the ground. This ceremony is performed in honor of their founder, who is said to have whirled around for four days without any nourishment, while his companion played a flute. Often these dervishes are found in cities playing the part of Jugglers and sorcerers.

DANCING DERVISHES.