With this compare the description given by the author of the _Rites and Ceremonies of all Nations_, of a similar worship as celebrated amongst the Banians. “Another god,” says he, “much esteemed and worshipped by these people, is called _Perimal_, and his image is that of a _pole_, or the _large mast of a ship_. The Indians relate the following legend concerning this idol. At Cydambaran, a city in Golcondo, a penitent having accidentally pricked his foot with an awl, let it continue in the wound for several years together; and although this extravagant method of putting himself to excessive torture was displeasing to the god Perimal, yet the zealot swore he would not have it pulled out till he _saw the god dance_. At last, the indulgent god had compassion on him, _and danced, and the sun, moon, and stars danced along with him_. During this celestial movement, a chain of gold dropped from either the sun or the god, and the place has been ever since called Cydambaran. It was also in memory of this remarkable transaction _that the image of the god was changed from that of an ape to a pole_, thereby intimating (adds the good-natured expositor of himself) that all religious worship should reach up towards heaven, that human affections should be placed on things above.” Now, this mysterious _Peri-Mal_ is but a euphony for _Peri-Bal_, that is, the _Baal-Peor_ before explained: and when you remember the destination which I have there assigned him, you will perceive the propriety of his having been represented by a _mast_ or May-_pole_. As to the Indian legend, it only shows the antiquity of the rite, superadded to that religious _investment_ which was meant as a shield against profanation. Vallancey also mentions the following additional custom, which he himself witnessed in the county of Waterford:--“On the first day of May, annually, a number of youths, of both sexes, go round the _parish_ to _every couple married within the year_, and oblige them to give a ball. This is ornamented with gold or silver coin. I have been assured, they sometimes expended three guineas on this ornament. The _balls are suspended by a thread, in two hoops placed at right angles, decorated with festoons of flowers. The hoops are fastened to the end of a long pole, and carried about in great solemnity, attended with singing, music, and dancing._”