1865.] Religion dc. among the Karens. 229 
one. This she knew contained the gold and silver; and she was 
permitted to take it. 
“When about to start, the giantess said : ‘ When thou reachest black 
water, comb thy hair and wipe thy teeth. When thou reachest red 
water, wipe thy lips; but when thou comest to white water bathe 
thyself.’ She observed the directions given her, and reached home in 
safety, where the fame of her gold and silver brought together all her 
friends and relatives; to each of whom she gave a bow! full. 
“ Among those who received a bowl full’ of silver and gold, was one 
dissatisfied young man, who coveted more; so he determined to try his 
future with the giant, and endeavour to obtain a whole basket full for 
himself. He succeeded in being adopted into the family, in being 
allowed to return, and in having the offer of a basket to take with 
him. He had not looked into the baskets, but like his predecessor he 
chose the old one. The same charge was given him in regard to 
crossing the streams, but he paid no attention to his instructions, but 
dashed across them and got home as quick as possible. On reaching 
his house, he opened the basket, when to his horror and disappoint- 
ment, he found the basket full of dead men’s skulls. Little time, 
however, was given him to brood over his misfortunes, for the giant 
followed rapidly after him, and devoured him on the spot.” 
Omens. 
~ The Karens, like other nations in their ignorance, believe in omens; 
and desist from a journey or an undertaking, when they occur. Like 
the Romans, a snake crossing the path, or a woodpecker tapping, 
stops a man by the way ; as does the falling of a branch of a tree, or 
the bleating of the barking deer. Sickness is supposed to be the 
"consequence of non-observance, and a sacrifice is offered for an atone- 
ment. 
> Among the Bghais an elder is called, and all the family assembled 
‘together: male and female, young and old. The elder then leads 
‘a dog round the assembled family three times, praying as he goes: 
“When we work, or labour; when we go, or return; at the bleat of 
the barking deer, at the voice of the otter, at the crash of a falling 
tree, at the sight of a snake, at the sight of a scorpion, at the sight 
of a large serpent, at the sight of a python, we ought to pause, or 
