Storia do Mogor 265.15.7

265.15.7

When Hindus burn a dead body, they place it on the top of a heap of wood, and over the body they pile as much wood again. A light is then applied. The relations who had followed the body leave for their homes with the exception of four men. These had carried the body, and are called bettiao (battiydn), which means 'burners.' These men place themselves round the pyre at some little distance, each holding a long, thick stick in his hand. As it burns, the corpse makes movements through the relaxing of the muscles, the face is scorched, and the hands and feet shrivel up, and it looks as if it wanted to sit up. On these occasions the bettioens (burners) exert themselves to extend the body by thrusts with their sticks. Finally, after bathing in the river close by, they go away. The following day the relations go to the burning-place, and collecting the bones, place them in an earthern pot and throw some milk upon them, by which they are wetted. They are then thrown into the river with the necessary ceremonial. They state that the putting on of milk is to cool the soul of the defunct, and they throw the ashes into water in order that there be no doubt of his salvation. They distribute cooked food of vegetables with rice, giving to eat even to the crows, of whom there are enormous numbers throughout India. Then they bathe themselves in the river and return home.