Storia do Mogor 258.5

258.5

Subsequently, having first sung two very pretty songs in praise of the newly-married couple, they go back a second time to their sacrifices. During this they worship an idol they call Polcar (Pillaiyar), of whom I spoke in the first chapter (III. 101). They say that this god has such control over marriages that his own father when he married worshipped him in the manner practised at this day. It is for this reason that they style him 'the son born before his father.' The sacrificing and worship ended, they throw at once into a large vessel, placed there in readiness and full of water, an imitation fish made of a substance resembling flour. One of the relations of the newly-married pair holds it by a string, and moves it to and fro in the water. Then the bridegroom, as a proof of his skill, shoots a small arrow from his bow at this fish. If he hits, everybody breaks forth in his praise, saying he is very skilful in the use of arms, most valiant, most fortunate. If he misses, they say he is unlucky and maladroit. But hit or miss, the game ends.