The Magic of the Horse-shoe, with other folk-lore notesLawrence, Robert Means
History
The Magic of the Horse-shoe, with other folk-lore notes
Lawrence, Robert Means
Folklore
Dr. Edward B. Tylor, in his “Primitive Culture” (vol. i. p. 97), asserts
that the Zulus have faith in the agency of kindly spirits as well, and
says that, when one of these people sneezes, he is wont to exclaim: “I am
now blessed; the ancestral spirit is with me. Let me hasten and praise
it, for it is that which causes me to sneeze.” Thereupon he praises the
spirits of the dead, and asks for various blessings. But among most
uncivilized peoples sneezing is placed in the category of paroxysmal
diseases, and reckoned to be of demoniac origin.
Inasmuch as sneezing is often one symptom of an incipient cold, which is
a physical ailment, and as among savage tribes every physical ailment
is regarded as a case of demoniacal possession, the use of charms and
exorcisms to counteract the efforts of the evil spirits seems a natural
expedient.[373]
When an American Indian falls sick, he believes his illness to be the
work of some spiteful demon. Therefore, when he gets well, he changes his
name, so that the demon may not be able to recognize him again.[374]
The chief aim of the medicine-man, in treating a patient, is the
expulsion of the evil spirit; and this is the prime object of the various
superstitious ceremonies and incantations which are a prominent feature
in medical practice among savages.[375] The medicine-man strives to drive
away the demon by frightful sounds and gesticulations, and by hideous
grimaces and contortions. Sometimes he makes a small image typifying
the spirit of sickness, and this image is then maliciously broken in
pieces.[376]
The natives of West Africa believe that the mere mention of unpleasant
names suffices to frighten away the demons who cause sickness; and these
spirits may moreover be deceived by simply changing the name of a sick
child. In the province of Tonquin, a French possession in southeastern
Asia, hateful names given to ailing children are likewise thought to
terrify the evil spirits; but when the little patients are convalescent,
pleasanter names are substituted.[377]
The Indians of Nootka Sound, Vancouver Island, attribute physical
ailments either to the absence or irregular conduct of the soul, or to
the agency of spirits, and medical practice is governed accordingly;
therefore the Okanogons of the State of Washington subject patients
affected with serious illnesses to the magical treatment of the
medicine-man.[378]
The islanders of the South Pacific have their own doctrine about the
philosophy of sneezing. They believe that, when the spirit goes traveling
about, its return naturally occasions some commotion, as is evident from
the violent act of sneezing. They therefore deem it proper to welcome
back the wandering spirit, the form of greeting varying in the different
islands. The phrase employed by the natives of Raratonga, for example,
means “Ha! you have come back!”[379]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account