Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 November 1884 — Palovzean Funeral Customs. [ARTICLE]

Palovzean Funeral Customs.

In the grave-yards of the Palovzes, in the counties of Borsod and Heves, may be seen occasionally pyramidal monuments of stone with niches in their sides for images of the saints. They are as survival from the ancient heathen altars of these people, the Rumanians of old, which were erected in honor of the sun-god; and to this day also may Xe seeii=-ou majiy - oi-ithe dibuses -of the Palovzes the symbol of the pyramid with Baal’s eye, the use of which has come down from generation to generation without the pleasants knowing what it means. Children Who die still-born, or without having received baptism, are buried as near as possible to the pyramidal monuments. It is a part of the folklore of the Palovzes that the little ones who are laid to rest near these Baal-pillars will at the end of seven years come out from their graves, when, if some good soul will come near them and utter formula, they will immediately become little angels and go to heaven; but, if the baptism is not given, they will have to wait seven years longer for another opportunity to he released. Many other reminiscenses of Baal-worship survive among these people. The mother who has lost a young child wraps her head, as a sign of mourning, in a fiery red cloth. The former prevalence of cremation is indicated in the custom of burning the clothes which the deceased wore last. The tearjugs of the ancients may still be found in the houses, of exactly the old form and size, but destined to a quite different purpose. Another peculiar custom at the funeral feast is to lay a plate with salt and bread upon the table, for the use of the soul of the departed one, if it should appear in the circle of friends.