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of entangling the trailing entrails which stream 
behind the flying head, the spirit which preys on 
women who are in this condition. 
Iron, though used as a protection for a child 
in its cradle, must not be brought into contact with 
it at birth and the knife with which the navel-cord 
is severed is always of bamboo. A bamboo knife 
was, no doubt, the primitive implement used before 
the introduction of iron, which from the wonders 
which it could perform, was accounted a magical 
substance. The belief, therefore, grew up that iron 
should not be used at birth as the child’s spirit, 
being yet feeble, might be frightened out of its 
body. Ancient custom, too, had most likely some- 
thing to do with the preservation of the bamboo 
knife. 
Animistic ideas, again mingled with a certain 
amount of Hinduism, are to be found in the rites 
connected with the cultivation of padi. As in many 
parts of Europe, the soul of the crop, enshrined in 
several ears which are reaped separately, is care- 
fully taken and preserved. 
Birth, The Malay baby, on its appearance 
Marriage, in the world, has to undergo many 
Divorce, annoying attentions. It is spat upon 
Death. to protect it from evil spirits; “his 
resting-places ” to quote Wilkinson’s 
pamphlet, “ are smeared with sacrificial rice and 
with cosmetics that no ghost can approach; his cot 
is fumigated with the incense that the devil is known 
to abhor; his bath contains potent ingredients (such 
as manganese dust and talismans of all sorts) that 
makes the water purifying both to soul and body.” 
He is also instructed in the Moslem religion, has 
his mouth “ opened ” with a gold ring, his head 
shaved ceremonially and is introduced to the spirits 
