[103] A description of this instrument, on account of the importance attached to it among the Javans, the constancy with which it is worn, and the care with which it is preserved through different generations, will be found in another place.
[104] "Non consulum sed maritorum numero annos suos computant." Seneca, de Benef.—But this is short of Juvenal's account: "Fiunt octo mariti, quinque per autumnos."
[105] The Romans likewise were in the habit of washing the dead body several times before interment with water, which in their case was warm.
"Pars calidos latices et ahena undantia flammis
Expediunt: corpusque lavant frigentis et ungunt."
Virgil: Æneidos, lib. vi. lin. 218.
By referring to the Old and New Testament, the same practice will be found to have prevailed among the Jews: indeed, it seems to have been very general.
[106] During the two latter quarters of the moon she is considered as appearing in the form of a Rasáksa, and is then more properly called Dúrga.
[107] A custom somewhat similar to this is said to be practiced in South America.
"They lighted a great number of torches, and the midwife taking up the child carried it through the yard of the house, and placed it upon a heap of leaves of sword-grass, close by a basin of water, which was prepared in the middle of the yard, and then undressing it said, 'my child! the gods Ometeuctti and Omicihautl, Lords of Heaven, have sent thee to this dismal and calamitous world: receive this water, which is to give thee life:' and after wetting its mouth, head, and breast, with forms similar to the first bathing, she bathed its whole body, and rubbing every one of its limbs said, 'where art thou, ill fortune? in what limb art thou hid? go far from this child!'"—History of Mexico by Clavigero, translated by Cullen, vol. i.
[108] It is curious to observe how exactly this corresponds with the patriarchal history of Scripture, and the early accounts of the manners of ancient nations. The daughter was always considered the property of the parent, the wife as the purchase of the husband, and the marriage contract as the deed of transfer.