487 



model of the house with its coiitents is btirtit. 

 The pictures, and every thing which haa been 

 covered with white cloth, share the same fate, 

 while one or two hundred lighted paper lanthorns 

 are at the same time thrown into the sea as an 

 offering to Tai-Soo-Kwee* 



The following raoroin^ the whole of the family 

 go to the temple to worship, and announce the 

 conclusion of the ceremonies, in token whereof 

 the women wear sprigs of red flower in their hair. 



Mourning is worn for a parent for three years, 

 and for a wife for a twelvemonth. The tombs 

 are visited annually at the Tsing^ming fetjlival, 

 which occurs in the third moon, March, Each 

 family at this season repairs the tombs of its an- 

 cestors, and bring offerings of fish, flesh, fruit, 

 &c. It is by no means an uncommon occurrence 

 to see a pig and goat roasted whole on the occa- 

 sion. The offerers of these oblations bow thrice 

 before the tomb, and pour out their libations of 

 wine and tea, the spirits being supposed to come 

 and feast on these sacrifices. Paper is burnt on the 

 tombs to supply the anuual expences of the de- 

 ceased, after which the relations carry their offer- 

 ings back to their houses, and the evening is spent 

 in feasting and gambling. Should a man pass by 

 the tombs of his ancestors on the most ordinary 

 occasion, it is requisite for him to worship them, 

 and deposit on them an offering of betel. 



In their manners the Chinese are hospitable 

 and courteous. When a Chinese wishes to see 

 his friends and acquaintances at dinner, he sends 

 out invitations written upon red paper, but this 

 is not considered sufficient, it being requisite that 

 he should meet each individual so invited no less 



