| caption: |
Chapter Three. Phases of Life |
| caption: |
sacrifice and address to the dead |
| text: |
In the early afternoon the three eldest men of the Oukheang morung entered the house of mourning, carrying a bamboo bier. One of them sacrificed a chicken, saying to the dead man, "This fowl, which like you will be eaten by worms, is now your companion; do not look behind at your daughters and kinsmen:" Before the corpse was placed on the bier, and taken out of the house, the deceased was once more addressed in a loud voice: "Enter the land of the dead boldly; do not be afraid. If you are asked who you are answer: 'I am Chinyak, son of Yongmek.' " |
