214 WARFARE IN THE HUMAN BODY 



of Persia had his head washed once a year. Roman 

 ladies washed their heads every thirteenth of August 

 upon Diana's day. It is probable that the rareness of 

 such an act and such a choice of time show that there was 

 magic in the ceremony. It was believed by the early 

 Greeks that Juno bathed once a year for the especial 

 purpose of restoring her virginity. Even if the legend 

 is poetic, it must have been founded on some ancient 

 belief. It is, perhaps, regrettable that, even among the 

 poets, there appears to be no reference to Jove's reflec- 

 tions on the subject. Bathing is a common act with many 

 tribes before hunting. The Kyaks of Burmah bathe by 

 day and night for eight days before they hunt the panther, 

 and naturally enough bathe afterwards to get rid of the 

 panther's influence and avenging spirit. Bathing as a 

 rain charm is even now found in many parts of Europe, 

 especially in Russia. It is instructive to notice that in 

 many cases the most effectual charm is to throw some- 

 body into the water. This appears an obvious relic of 

 the time when human beings were sacrificed to rivers, 

 streams, and the sky which gives rain. In Armenia the 

 charm consists in throwing the priest's wife into the 

 water. In the Islands of Celebes in Melanesia a priest 

 bathes in order to procure rain. It is a common thing 

 to drench the lame, blind, and infirm, with water. This 

 certainly brings rain and, if the wet and afflicted victim 

 curses with great vigour, no doubt the water hears the 

 better, and the charm is all the more effective. For, 

 god or no god, it is highly intelligent, and not only 

 intelligent, but both kindly and savage. 



It appears sometimes possible to insult a spring or 

 outrage a river and procure floods. In the Canary 

 Islands the Guanche priestesses used to beat the sea 



