1895
The Emperor Makes and Unmakes Gods at His Own Sweet Pleasure.
In China the emperor claims power, not only over his subjects (and indeed, for that matter, the whole inhabited world), but also over the realms of departed spirits. Those he beatifies, canonizes, decorates with titles, mentions with approval in the Peking Gazette when they do anything to deserve that honor and actually degrades and uncanonizes if he sees just cause. For example, the Emperor Hieng-Fung elevated the god of war to an equal rank with Confucius, who previously had been chief among the state gods.
Sir Alfred Lyall has drawn attention to some amusing extracts from the Peking Gazette, illustrating the way in which the Chinese treat their deities. Thus The Gazette of November, 1878, has the following:
"The governor general of the Yellow river requests that a tablet may be put up in honor of the river god. He states that during the transmission of the relief rice to Honan, whenever difficulties were encountered through shallows, wind or rain, the river god interposed in the most unmistakable manner, so that the transport of grain went on without hindrance. Order: Let The proper officer prepare a tablet for the temple of the river god."
In April, 1880, The god of locusts was similarly rewarded. A month or two earlier the temple of the Sea Dragon at Hoyang was decreed a memorial board for services rendered in connection with rain, and in another Gazette the god of water is given a new temple by special rescript. All this procedure is thoroughly in keeping with the notions of the common people of China, who look upon the gods simply as human beings in a different set of conditions. — Contemporary Review.
Showing posts with label gods. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gods. Show all posts
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Where Women May Not Pray
1916
In some parts of the world the women are not even allowed to pray. Certain Hindoo congregations deny their women this privilege, and among the Ainus women can pray only in very rare cases as the deputies of their husbands. The natives of Madagascar, however, stretch a point and permit their women to intercede with the powers of evil, but prayer to their supreme being is strictly a masculine prerogative.
In some parts of the world the women are not even allowed to pray. Certain Hindoo congregations deny their women this privilege, and among the Ainus women can pray only in very rare cases as the deputies of their husbands. The natives of Madagascar, however, stretch a point and permit their women to intercede with the powers of evil, but prayer to their supreme being is strictly a masculine prerogative.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Believe in the Fates
1905
Modern Greeks as Superstitious as Their Forefathers
"Some of the superstitions of the old mythologic religion still prevail among the peasant classes in Greece," said Dr. George Horton. "Nor are the educated classes without such beliefs, such as that harm ensues from looking at the moon over the right shoulder, the belief in the three fates, the evil eye, the vampires and the nereids in general.
"Dressed in black and appearing as old women, the fates are supposed to come down from Olympus three days after the birth of a child, and to hold a meeting to determine its fate. Consequently, a table containing many dainties is set out for their invisible enjoyment. Especial care is taken lest the old ladies be enraged at not having enough good things to eat.
"No woman desires to be left alone after her child is born, believing that the ugly old women may become jealous and wreak some awful vengeance. Smut is therefore smeared on the faces of the youngsters so that this jealousy may not become excited.
"The young Athenian women frequently go to the ancient tombs near Athens, and, calling upon the fates, beg them to reveal the identity of their future husbands, singing: 'From the top of Olympus, where are the fates, where is my own fate?' " — Washington Post.
Modern Greeks as Superstitious as Their Forefathers
"Some of the superstitions of the old mythologic religion still prevail among the peasant classes in Greece," said Dr. George Horton. "Nor are the educated classes without such beliefs, such as that harm ensues from looking at the moon over the right shoulder, the belief in the three fates, the evil eye, the vampires and the nereids in general.
"Dressed in black and appearing as old women, the fates are supposed to come down from Olympus three days after the birth of a child, and to hold a meeting to determine its fate. Consequently, a table containing many dainties is set out for their invisible enjoyment. Especial care is taken lest the old ladies be enraged at not having enough good things to eat.
"No woman desires to be left alone after her child is born, believing that the ugly old women may become jealous and wreak some awful vengeance. Smut is therefore smeared on the faces of the youngsters so that this jealousy may not become excited.
"The young Athenian women frequently go to the ancient tombs near Athens, and, calling upon the fates, beg them to reveal the identity of their future husbands, singing: 'From the top of Olympus, where are the fates, where is my own fate?' " — Washington Post.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Dolls in Babylon's Ruins
1905
Children of Ancient Greece, Too, Were Amused With the Playthings
The first dolls of which there is any knowledge were found among the treasures unearthed from the ruins of Babylon. They are small figures in terra cotta and ivory, beautifully carved and must have been fascinating playthings for the little Assyrian children.
The little girls of Syria had mechanical dolls. The arms and legs were moved by pulling strings much after the fashion of jumping jacks.
The dolls the classic Greek children played with were made of wax and clay decorated with bright colors. One kind had movable limbs and its clothes were made to take off and put on. Every doll had a bed of its own. These dolls represented gods and heroes, but whatever they were made to represent, they were dressed with loving care by the little Greeks.
As these children married when they were very young they played with their dolls until just before the wedding day. Then they made a sacrifice of all their toys, dolls and clothes included. They dedicated them as a pious offering to some deity. If the little girl died before she was grown up her dolls were buried with her.
Thus it happens that the kind and fashion of dolls which comforted these ancient children is known. All the specimens which are kept with so great care behind glass doors in various museums were taken from some tiny tomb.
Children of Ancient Greece, Too, Were Amused With the Playthings
The first dolls of which there is any knowledge were found among the treasures unearthed from the ruins of Babylon. They are small figures in terra cotta and ivory, beautifully carved and must have been fascinating playthings for the little Assyrian children.
The little girls of Syria had mechanical dolls. The arms and legs were moved by pulling strings much after the fashion of jumping jacks.
The dolls the classic Greek children played with were made of wax and clay decorated with bright colors. One kind had movable limbs and its clothes were made to take off and put on. Every doll had a bed of its own. These dolls represented gods and heroes, but whatever they were made to represent, they were dressed with loving care by the little Greeks.
As these children married when they were very young they played with their dolls until just before the wedding day. Then they made a sacrifice of all their toys, dolls and clothes included. They dedicated them as a pious offering to some deity. If the little girl died before she was grown up her dolls were buried with her.
Thus it happens that the kind and fashion of dolls which comforted these ancient children is known. All the specimens which are kept with so great care behind glass doors in various museums were taken from some tiny tomb.
Monday, July 16, 2007
All Annoyed With the God
1905
Momus, in Greek fable, was the god of mockery and censure, who delighted in finding fault with gods and men. He was chosen to act as judge when there was a strife between Neptune, Minerva and Vulcan for supremacy in artistic power.
Neptune made a bull, Minerva a house and Vulcan a man. Momus declared that Neptune should have set his bull's horns farther forward for fighting purposes. He said that Minerva should have so constructed her house that it could be moved away from troublesome neighbors and that Vulcan should have made a window in the man's breast through which his thoughts could be seen.
All were so annoyed at his criticisms that they turned him out of heaven, and soon after this he died of vexation because he could find no fault in Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
Momus, in Greek fable, was the god of mockery and censure, who delighted in finding fault with gods and men. He was chosen to act as judge when there was a strife between Neptune, Minerva and Vulcan for supremacy in artistic power.
Neptune made a bull, Minerva a house and Vulcan a man. Momus declared that Neptune should have set his bull's horns farther forward for fighting purposes. He said that Minerva should have so constructed her house that it could be moved away from troublesome neighbors and that Vulcan should have made a window in the man's breast through which his thoughts could be seen.
All were so annoyed at his criticisms that they turned him out of heaven, and soon after this he died of vexation because he could find no fault in Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Popularity of Thais
1910
"Every other young actress is calling herself Thais," said Henry E. Dixey at a dinner at Mauquin's. "Thais McGinnis, Thais Endicott, Thais Schmidt — the thing is universal.
"Universal and ridiculous; for they who have read Anatole France's story of 'Thais' know that she was a very naughty little girl, indeed. I am quite sure that no real reader of 'Thais' would ever, under any circumstances, consent to be called such a name.
"It makes me think of a man who, taking his infant daughter to be baptized, told the clergyman to call her Venus.
" 'But I refuse to call her Venus,' said the clergyman, indignantly. 'Venus is the name of a pagan goddess.'
" 'Well, how about your own girl, Diana?' said the man."
Clear Conscience
The man with a clear conscience and the desire and ability to live the right life may possess both fame and wealth to advantage to himself and those about him. — Rev. W. S. Bovard, Presbyterian, Indianapolis.
Cheerful Like Children
Cheerfulness should be the gift of the sunlight, the air should suffice for inspiration, and radiance of wisdom is the lonely waste of the pine woods, making us dance and run about happily like children. — Emerson.
"Every other young actress is calling herself Thais," said Henry E. Dixey at a dinner at Mauquin's. "Thais McGinnis, Thais Endicott, Thais Schmidt — the thing is universal.
"Universal and ridiculous; for they who have read Anatole France's story of 'Thais' know that she was a very naughty little girl, indeed. I am quite sure that no real reader of 'Thais' would ever, under any circumstances, consent to be called such a name.
"It makes me think of a man who, taking his infant daughter to be baptized, told the clergyman to call her Venus.
" 'But I refuse to call her Venus,' said the clergyman, indignantly. 'Venus is the name of a pagan goddess.'
" 'Well, how about your own girl, Diana?' said the man."
Clear Conscience
The man with a clear conscience and the desire and ability to live the right life may possess both fame and wealth to advantage to himself and those about him. — Rev. W. S. Bovard, Presbyterian, Indianapolis.
Cheerful Like Children
Cheerfulness should be the gift of the sunlight, the air should suffice for inspiration, and radiance of wisdom is the lonely waste of the pine woods, making us dance and run about happily like children. — Emerson.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Rev. Samuel Fallows: "Odin Fell Before Jehovah"
1918
From a sermon by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Samuel Fallows, D.D., of the Reformed Episcopal church, delivered in Chicago, November 24.
We come to the closing of the war and the beginning of the conferences on peace with devout Thanksgiving to God for the multitude of His mercies toward us. We have now to reaffirm the great truth that "He hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth."
One nation had forgotten its lineage and its obligations to other nations. Nay, its ruthless rulers had forsworn the God and Father of all mankind, and worshipped the pagan tribal god Odin.
In that greatest of all wars Odin was pitted against Jehovah. All the basest passions of barbaric men were let loose. All the resources of science were used to blast and blind and destroy.
Jehovah triumphed. Our glorious, victorious boys are coming home crowned with immortal honor. The recreant foes are begging for bread. We will give it, but for repentant rebels. Its strength must be used to help pay the immense debt it owes to the countries it has ravished and ravaged.
—Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN, Dec. 2, 1918, p. 4.
Thanksgiving Day Prayer by British
The Rt. Rev. Samuel Fallows Offers Thanks for Victorious Peace
CHICAGO, Nov. 28. — The Rt. Rev. Samuel Fallows, Episcopal bishop today offered the following Thanksgiving day prayer, recommending its general use.
"O God the ruler of the nations, we devoutly thank Thee for the splendid victory Thou hast given us who have been contending for the right over the arch enemies of mankind.
"The peoples who sat in darkness have seen a great light, the light of liberty. Songs of unutterable joy have broken from their lips. Tears of gladness have bedewed their cheeks. The prisoners have leaped exultantly from their chains.
"Despotic rulers are fleeing in hottest haste. The reign of the Lord's anointed has begun.
"Confusion may exist before the foundations of justice and righteousness are fully established. But Thou who didst crown our arms with triumph will ever rule for lasting good.
"Give us the grace to re-arrange speedily for the best all our industrial and economic affairs. Unite more closely together all our varied nationalities at home and our faithful allies abroad.
"Bring into one great unity of brotherhood all diversified believers of every faith and creed. And as our brave boys come back we thank Thee that we can so joyously sing:
"Let all the nations know to earth's remotest bounds,
"The year of jubilee has come, return ye glorious heroes home.
"And to Thee be all the praise for ever. Amen."
—Sandusky Star Journal, Sandusky, OH, Nov. 28, 1918, p. 6.
From a sermon by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Samuel Fallows, D.D., of the Reformed Episcopal church, delivered in Chicago, November 24.
We come to the closing of the war and the beginning of the conferences on peace with devout Thanksgiving to God for the multitude of His mercies toward us. We have now to reaffirm the great truth that "He hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth."
One nation had forgotten its lineage and its obligations to other nations. Nay, its ruthless rulers had forsworn the God and Father of all mankind, and worshipped the pagan tribal god Odin.
In that greatest of all wars Odin was pitted against Jehovah. All the basest passions of barbaric men were let loose. All the resources of science were used to blast and blind and destroy.
Jehovah triumphed. Our glorious, victorious boys are coming home crowned with immortal honor. The recreant foes are begging for bread. We will give it, but for repentant rebels. Its strength must be used to help pay the immense debt it owes to the countries it has ravished and ravaged.
—Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN, Dec. 2, 1918, p. 4.
Thanksgiving Day Prayer by British
The Rt. Rev. Samuel Fallows Offers Thanks for Victorious Peace
CHICAGO, Nov. 28. — The Rt. Rev. Samuel Fallows, Episcopal bishop today offered the following Thanksgiving day prayer, recommending its general use.
"O God the ruler of the nations, we devoutly thank Thee for the splendid victory Thou hast given us who have been contending for the right over the arch enemies of mankind.
"The peoples who sat in darkness have seen a great light, the light of liberty. Songs of unutterable joy have broken from their lips. Tears of gladness have bedewed their cheeks. The prisoners have leaped exultantly from their chains.
"Despotic rulers are fleeing in hottest haste. The reign of the Lord's anointed has begun.
"Confusion may exist before the foundations of justice and righteousness are fully established. But Thou who didst crown our arms with triumph will ever rule for lasting good.
"Give us the grace to re-arrange speedily for the best all our industrial and economic affairs. Unite more closely together all our varied nationalities at home and our faithful allies abroad.
"Bring into one great unity of brotherhood all diversified believers of every faith and creed. And as our brave boys come back we thank Thee that we can so joyously sing:
"Let all the nations know to earth's remotest bounds,
"The year of jubilee has come, return ye glorious heroes home.
"And to Thee be all the praise for ever. Amen."
—Sandusky Star Journal, Sandusky, OH, Nov. 28, 1918, p. 6.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
The Gods are Hungry — A Reason For War
1874
Never did war, among either savage or civilized peoples, assume so sinister an aspect, as when it was carried on under the guise of religion, to furnish those human banquets which some peoples have thought it necessary to lay before their gods.
That "the gods were hungry," was the cause of wars among many ancient races, but notably so among the Mexicans. The object of wars among the Aztecs was far less territorial or personal aggrandizement, than the procuring of human victims to place before their deities.
More than two thousand of such victims, upon a moderate estimate, were annually sacrificed in the Mexican temples, and in some years more than a hundred thousand human beings are believed to have perished in this manner.
They also had a yearly sacrifice to one of their idols, in which the victim was a beautiful youth, who was worshiped as a god for a whole year before he was killed. — Scribner's Magazine.
Seraphinnis is a Russian monk who latterly founded a society to which women were admitted on condition that they cut off their hair. The beautiful appropriateness of this will be perceived when it is stated that his brother was an enterprising hair-dresser.
What wine is both food and drink? Port wine with a crust.
Never did war, among either savage or civilized peoples, assume so sinister an aspect, as when it was carried on under the guise of religion, to furnish those human banquets which some peoples have thought it necessary to lay before their gods.
That "the gods were hungry," was the cause of wars among many ancient races, but notably so among the Mexicans. The object of wars among the Aztecs was far less territorial or personal aggrandizement, than the procuring of human victims to place before their deities.
More than two thousand of such victims, upon a moderate estimate, were annually sacrificed in the Mexican temples, and in some years more than a hundred thousand human beings are believed to have perished in this manner.
They also had a yearly sacrifice to one of their idols, in which the victim was a beautiful youth, who was worshiped as a god for a whole year before he was killed. — Scribner's Magazine.
Seraphinnis is a Russian monk who latterly founded a society to which women were admitted on condition that they cut off their hair. The beautiful appropriateness of this will be perceived when it is stated that his brother was an enterprising hair-dresser.
What wine is both food and drink? Port wine with a crust.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Episcopal Bishops May Try Writer on Heresy Charge
1922
Episcopal Bishops May Try Dr. Brown on Heresy Charge
NEW YORK, Jan. 16.—The Episcopal House of Bishops is reported to be considering a heresy trial for the Right Rev. William Montgomery Brown of Galion, Ohio. Dr. Brown is a former Episcopal Bishop of Arkansas. His book, "Communism and Christianism," proclaims, "Banish the Gods from the skies and capitalists from the earth and make the world safe for industrial communism."
Episcopal Bishops May Try Dr. Brown on Heresy Charge
NEW YORK, Jan. 16.—The Episcopal House of Bishops is reported to be considering a heresy trial for the Right Rev. William Montgomery Brown of Galion, Ohio. Dr. Brown is a former Episcopal Bishop of Arkansas. His book, "Communism and Christianism," proclaims, "Banish the Gods from the skies and capitalists from the earth and make the world safe for industrial communism."
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