Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 July 1895 — JAPANESE PRAYER BAGS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

JAPANESE PRAYER BAGS.

Evidences of Idolatry Found on a Lot of Coolies. The immigration inspectors at Snu Francisco examined a lot of Japanese coolies a few days ago and found that

each one had strung about his neck a kamisama or praying bag. These bags contain prayers written on silk or stout paper and are specially addressed to the possessor’s household god. The Ja p s pay their Buddhist and Shinto priests from 1 to 2 cents for these prayers, which serve the double purpose of being lucky charms as well as prayers, says the San Francisco Call. : The priests bless the charm upon receipt of the cash. The possessor prays by sliding the little pouch up and down the strings and say-

lng something similar to “These are my sentiments.” He is very particular that these prayer bags and charms shall not be profaned by the touch of a Christian forefinger and resists the deputy’s efforts to find letters near the little sacred ponch which reposes on the stomach of the faithful. For this reason the intelligent Jap does not carry letters near the bag. When the Jap Is particularly anxious to have his god answer his prayer he removes the cover from the top of the pouch and prays with the paper in his hands.

JAPANESE PRAYING BAG.