University Studies 



Vol. XI JANUARY-APRIL igii Nos. 1-2 



REST DAYS; A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY^ 



BY HUTTON WEBSTER 



Synopsis 



Introduction 2 



I. Periods of Abstinence at Critical Epochs 8 



1. Tahu Days among the Hawaiian Islanders 8 



2. Lali Days among the Land Dayaks of Borneo . . 11 



3. Genua Days in Assam 17 



II. Periods of Abstinence After a Death and on Re- 

 lated Occasions 21 



4. The Primitive Attitude towards Death 21 



5. Tabooed Days following a Death 23 



6. Taboos Observed during Feasts of the Dead and 



at Expulsion of Ghosts 28 



III. Periods of Abstinence at Sacred Times and Seasons. 34 



7. The Conception of Holiness 34 



8. Holy Days in the Lower and the Higher Culture 35 



9. QnasiA\o\y Days 42 



^ The author hopes at no very distant period to issue this monograph in 

 amplified form. He would be grateful, accordingly, for any criticisms 

 tending towards its improvement. Several of his colleagues, Professors 

 Alexander, Buck, Sanford, and Swezey, have taken a kindly interest in 

 his researches, answering his questions and making helpful suggestions. 

 Professor C. H. Toy of Harvard University has put him under lasting 

 obligations by reading the manuscript, a service which may be acknowl- 

 edged, but not requited, by any imperfect expression of gratitude. 



University Studies, Vol. XI, Nos. 1-2, January-.\pril 1911, 



