| caption: |
Chapter Twenty-three. The Spring Festival |
| caption: |
further rituals at the Spring festival |
| text: |
No sooner has the rain passed over than the old men press round a bamboo pole, which has been erected in front of Mau-wang's house. For about half an hour they murmur secret formulae, while the young men dance round, swinging their dao and shouting loud songs, lest any woman or any of the younger people should hear the words of the elders. Almost half an hour these secret prayers last, and the whole time howling crowds race round the pole. |
