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Show TIBETAN NEW YEAR'3 DAY. Characterlttlc Ceremenles That Mark Its Celebration. February 18 is New Year's day In Tibet, and for tho succeeding three frocks Lassa Is the scono of Btrango j proceedings. Its government passes from tho lama to a monk of tho Do-1 bang monastery, who buys the right 8i rule by auction. He is called the talno and, recolvlng the homage of all, axerclsos his authority by Imposing hoavy fines for his own profit. His men visit every home In Lassa to collect col-lect heavy taxes and fines, so that all the poorer people leave the city at the Now Year. From the country round prlosts flock In for numerous religious ceremonies, which culminate In tb selection of a human scapegoat for the sins of Lassa. The face of the victim Is painted half black and halt white and after he has been beaten by the populace as n symbol of the transference to him of tho sins of the people he Is hooted and. mobbed out of Lassa, whither ho may not return for a year. |