Storia do Mogor 353.4.5

353.4.5

In this kingdom of Pegu is a province called Siriam, which is reached in boats through canals debouching into the river. It takes three days' travelling to reach the town where the merchandise has to be sold. The inhabitants of this country are accustomed to hold several festivals in the course of the year in honour of their idols. But the principal festivity is celebrated outside the city at the foot of great mountains. The idols are on the summit. This feast falls in the month of [93] February; it is called the Digum (? Dagon) festival, which means, 'Of the fire.' On that day the governor and the chief men of the place attend and the greater number of the inhabitants. They solemnize the festival by consuming a considerable quantity of spirits; there are also performances and dances and fireworks, which are discharged at night-time. In the preparation of these fireworks they labour for many days. The machine in which they enclose the powder is in shape and size like a large barrel, hooped with iron, and having a long tail. This barrel, in order that it may fly into the air, is attached to a high tree, of which there are plenty in the place, the forest being a vast one. Before the thing is set alight they resume their drinking, then the chief men draw near and bow to it as a mark of veneration.