Research source

The belief in the efficacy of the magic circle accounts for a variety of other customs

Date of account: Second edition published 1896
Source: The Popular Religion and Folk-Lore of Northern India, Vol. 2 (of 2)
Reference: The Popular Religion and Folk-Lore of Northern India, Vol. 2 (of 2) · selected passage 23
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-25

Record summary

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

The belief in the efficacy of the magic circle accounts for a variety of other customs. Thus, in a family sacrifice among the Chakmas of Bengal, round the whole sacrificial platform had been run, from the house mother's distaff, a long white thread which encircled the altar, and then carried into the house, was held at the two ends by the good man's wife. Among the Hâris, at marriages, the right hand little finger of the bridegroom's sister's husband is pierced, and a few drops of blood allowed to fall on threads of jute, which are rolled up in a tiny pellet. This the bridegroom holds in his hand, while the bride attempts to snatch it from him. Her success in the attempt is considered to be a good omen of the happiness of the marriage.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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