THE SOIIn 
339 
m a palankeen, or on a bullock, in procession to the rice fields at some 
distance from the city, to the place called T,hi Sau Cheeng Cha, a 
band of music keeping him company, and there undergoes the pe¬ 
nance of standing on one foot at different places for one yam (equal 
to about three solar hours) during three successive days. But as it 
would be no easy task without support, a frame of wood with a gilt 
canopy keeps him from falling whilst he is doing penance, or, as it is 
believed by the people, “ proving the dispositions of the Devattas 
and spirits,” A select band of singers dances before him. The 
performers are supplied with horns, with which they take water out 
of a large jar, throwing it over the by-standers, and invoking the 
Nok P,hreea Raja hong or the Royal goose (Humza) to descend and 
quench his thirst. Should the P,honlafc,hiSp let his foot descend, he 
is liable to forfeit his property, and have his family enslaved by the 
King; as it is believed to be a bad omen, portending distruction to 
the state, and instability to the throne. But if he stand firm he is 
believed to have gained a victory over evil spirits, and he has more¬ 
over the privilege, ostensibly at least, of seizing any ship which may 
enter the harbour during these three days, and taking its contents, 
and also of entering any open shop in the town and carrying away 
what he chooses. Care however is taken to apprize every one of the 
event, so that his viceroyship is no great gainer by his perquisite. 
The severity of the punishment awarded for a failure in the ceremo¬ 
ny is owing to the fear of the Court that it might prove a signal to 
the factious to disturb the general peace, and that it would, at any 
rate, create discontent against the government. 
An immense crowd attends the exhibition of this curious task. No 
rational account has been obtained from the Siamese of the origin of 
this custom. But I incline to believe that it is a remnant of some 
ancient festival in honor of the sun, especially as it is acknowledged 
to be one of Hindu origin, and as the P,hraam or Brahmans attend, 
and are almost the only performers of the ceremonies , bearing 
images of Ganesa and other Gods. 
The Brahmans of India at one of their festivals worship the sun, 
standing the while on one foot, the other resting on the ancle, and 
