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Show DEATH LAID TO EVIL SPIRITS Sangalas Tribe In Africa Refuses to Believe That Mortal Dissolution Disso-lution I Certain. Strange rites and ceremonies still abound in Africa. Most of these have their origin In superstitions Instigated by the medicine men or magicians of a tribe for their own betterment, while many are adopted as customs of a tribe. Foremost of the funeral "celebrations" "celebra-tions" in Africa is that of a irlbe called Bangalas, near the Quango river. He're the deceased Is asked to state the cause of his death, and Is often prosecuted before being burled. The death of an African in these nections is never announced, and, only on inquiry Is anyone told of the death of a tribe member. When the death Is generally known the relatives come and fall into a state of excitement and wailings, with frequent interruptions of a hilarious nature. Drums and musical mus-ical Instruments are assembled and the revelry is continued until after sunrise. This ceremony occupies two days. The body is brought out during these ceremonies and fastened in a -sitting posture In a chair and placed at the door of his hut. The idea of the natives is that the deceased shall share In the festivities. Only the mother and wife of the deceased de-ceased show signs of grief. After the "celebrations" the deceased is put under un-der rigid examination as to what or who caused his death. Naturally, he is unable to answer, and the crowd abuses him, demanding an answer. . , At last It Is agreed that ho was killed through the aid of evil spirits. The body is then taken to the cemetery. ' The inhabitants do not believe that everyone must die, that evil spirits alone interfere with lives. |
