42 s\f iTiTSDNiAN M isci^i.i-A N i:oi's roLi.F.CTroNS vor.. 80 



that the writer had in his possession (it is now in tlie l-. S. National 

 Museum) has the seven stars of the great dipper on its Ijlade. 



Nearly every Tibetan has a charm-box that he wears suspended on 

 his chest. In these charm-boxes teeth, hair, nailfilings, pieces of 

 clothing, and even the excretions of the lamas are placed. It is thought 

 that anything from a lama possesses wonderful power. 



The incantations, charms, and amulets that have been described are 

 illustrations of one of the methods of the natives of Szechuan for 

 procuring happiness, good fortune, and the securities of life. Through 

 them a strange, supernatural power is used to exorcise or keep away 

 demons, who cause diseases and misfortunes. 



VI. PUBLIC CEREMONIE.S AND RELIGIOUS EE.STIVALS 

 I. IMPORTANT PUBLIC CEREMONIES 



Through certain ceremonies, the social group seeks to secure the 

 primary needs of life. A few will be described by way of illustration. 



As would naturally be expected among a people depending primarily 

 on agriculture, the coming of spring is exceedingly important. 



It is a well-known fact that before the Chinese Republic, the 

 Emperor of China, at Peking, took part in a ceremony to bring back 

 or welcome spring, and that as a part of that ceremony he ploughed 

 the first furrows. It is not so well-known that the magistrates observe 

 this custom in other parts of China. 



The following is a descrijition by Mr. Grainger of this custom as 

 it is practiced in Chengtu : 



The solar period known as the Beginning of Spring commences about 

 Feb. 5. On the first daj^ preparation is made for the ceremony. Very early 

 next morning a large paper effigy of an ox drawing a plough is exhibited on 

 the Ox-beating Ground somewhere outside the city. The magistrate attends 

 in person accompanied by actors representing the Star of Literature and his 

 monkey Sen. After some mountebank performances with the monkey the Star 

 of Literature exclaims :■ — 



" May the land and the people be peaceful : 

 May the wind and the rain be propitious : 

 May the fruits of the earth be abundant." 



The magistrate thereupon rises, puts his hand to the plough, and waves 

 the ox-goad. This is the signal for a general assault on the ox, which is torn 

 to pieces, and the little ox effigies with which it had been filled are scrambled 

 for by the crowd. Those who are fortunate enough to secure them take them 

 to well-to-do fthniers who give presents of money in return for them. These 

 little oxen are supposed to bring luck to the farm for the ensuing year.^ 



"Grainger, Adam, Studies in Chinese Life, 1921, p. 49. 



