Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 107, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 May 1919 — PAYING HOMAGE TO DEVILS [ARTICLE]

PAYING HOMAGE TO DEVILS

Recognized Method by Which Chines* Insure Against Dire Work of \ Evil Soirits. ■~” r • Once a year during the first 14 days of the "seventh Chinese month, tire curious ceremony of Yu-Nan-Whel is celebrated, being, in. fact, the paying of, homage to the land and sea devils, says New York Herald. Seven priests carry out the ceremony by offering up various forms of prayer and making an unearthly noise by beating large gongs. Anyone wishing to show his respect to the devils can do so by a payment of t!00 cash-—about 22 cents —to each of the priests, for which amount they will continue their performance for 12 hours —a truly modest remuneration for men engaged in the ardent occupation of propitiating evil spirits. For an extra payment of 2,000 cash a number of small red paper boats, about six inches long, with lights inside, will be sent floating down the river with the current. These lights are for the benefit of the sea devils, in order that they may be able to see their way about on dark nights—a little attention which It is hoped these maritime demons appreciate. Having finished this performance, tjje person on whose behalf it has bean carried out goes away happy in the conviction that he will not lose any of his family throughout the year, either by sickness or drowning, so that the whole ceremony may be looked upon as an insurance policy.