NO. 2 FOLK RELIGION IN SOUTHWEST CHINA — GRAHAM I27 



with the exorcism and driving away of the demons, whereas others 

 seem to have no relation to the exorcism of demons but are neverthe- 

 less regarded as efficacious. The firecrackers that are set off in nearly 

 all ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, not only make a 

 good impression, but also frighten away demons. 



On the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the first lunar month the dragon 

 parade is conducted. Strong young men with their bodies bare above 

 their waists and wearing broad bamboo hats carry dragons several 

 rods long through the streets and in the family courtyards. The men 

 dance around in a circle counterclockwise. Powder mixed with par- 

 ticles of iron in a bamboo tube is lighted so that fire and sparks gush 

 out, and firecrackers are set off. This ceremony is partly for amuse- 

 ment, but it is also believed to clear the homes and the streets of 

 demons. 



On the 15th day of the 7th moon the evil spirits in hell are released 

 and allowed to wander around the world. There is much danger that 

 they will do harm. Families burn quantities of spirit money for the 

 use of these unfortunate "orphan spirits," so that they will be satis- 

 fied and will do no harm. Also on this day, but sometimes a day or 

 two before, a Buddhist or a Taoist priest, assisted by others, performs 

 a ceremony, chants his sacred books, and leads a procession to a 

 nearby stream, where candles are lighted and floated down the stream 

 on small paper boats or containers. These are lighted and released 

 one at a time, making a long line of lights on the surface of the water. 

 This is done to entice the orphan spirits or demons away from that 

 locality. 



When requested to do so, or in times of danger, during a pestilence, 

 or when praying for rain, the Buddhist or Taoist priests conduct 

 elaborate ceremonies. They chant their sacred books, repeat incanta- 

 tions, and burn spirit money as a means of exorcising demons. Some- 

 times during these and other ceremonies the priest blows a conch 

 shell to call the demons to him so that he can then drive them away. 

 There are said to be rabbit demons that squeal in a peculiar way. 

 Duck demons quack on the ponds, rice paddies, or streams, but if a 

 person looks for them, no ducks are to be seen. 



In almost every funeral procession one man carries a basket full 

 of incense and spirit money, some of which he burns at every shrine 

 in worship of the gods. Every few rods he throws out some spirit 

 money for the demons so they will do no harm. Demons are said to 

 be afraid of fishermen, fearing to be caught in their nets. 



When a child is sick, it is believed that he is being attacked by a 



