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148 Symbolism of the East and West
3. May not this little talisman have had originally some
association with the idea of the scapegoat ?
The following anecdote, related to the writer by an
Italian lady who knew one of the parties concerned, would
seem to indicate that this is not an impossible suggestion :
A family of her acquaintance had settled themselves down
in an apartment in Naples. Shortly afterwards, another flat
in the same house was taken by a lady whom the first comers ,
believed possessed the Evil Eye. They were in despair at
this, and in order to avert any bad consequences which might
result to themselves from this circumstance, they caused a
bull to be brought to the house, and had this animal driven
through the entrance archway and round and round the
courtyard for some hours.
This custom is in close connection with a well-known one
in India. At the present day Hindus are in the habit of
turning kine loose to wander about, after some person's sins
have been transferred to the animals by the performance
of certain ceremonies. A somewhat analogous custom pre-
vails in Gloucestershire. When anyone discovers that they
possess what is commonly styled a crowing hen, the bird is
immediately driven forth from the poultry-yard to a spot
where three cross roads meet, and there left to wander
whither it likes.
To give an instance of the lurther development of this
idea in the East, we would observe that Dr Schuyler in his
Turkestan speaks of a custom existing in that country, which
is worth quoting in this connection. He says :
Ach Kurgan was rather dull :
amusement
—
" Life in
there was none, all
games being strictly forbidden. Such things as jugglery,