Pagan races of the Malay Peninsula - Sabrizain.org

354
CULTIVATION
was time for it to i^e mixed with the main stock of
seed. Till then it took up its abode in these seven
ears. To this it was added, that fresh rice when
boiled possessed a peculiarly pleasant aroma, which
was not to be obtained from old rice. Hence when
the guests arrived they would raise the husks to their
noses and inhale their aroma, as a means of ascertain-
ing the quality of the harvest ; for, although the rice-
grains had the same aroma as the husks, it would not
be seemly to test the grains themselves in this way.^
Whilst the women were engaged in reaping the
rice during the first three days, the men were em-
ployed in procuring from the forests and streams the
meat and fish required for the feast. Afterwards,
however, both sexes took a share in the reaping, since
the grains fall very easily and quickly out of the ears
as soon as they are once fully ripe.-'
After the rice which had been collected during the
first three days had been husked and prepared, a
sufficient quantity was cooked for the entertainment
of the expected guests, the cooking taking place on
the morning of the fourth day, by which time the
supplementary dishes that had been procured by the
men were available.^
The men now put on their best clothes, and the
bachelors of the tribe, putting fiowers in their head-
bands, took their blowpipes with them, and prepared
to lead their guests to the feast-house.^ The most
distinguished guest, i.e. the Batin or one of the
subordinate chieftains or the magician, was fetched
last, all the people accompanying him, and the un-
married men acting as a kind of Bodyguard.^
' Vaughan-Stevens, ii. 153, 154. - Ibid. ^ Ibid,
* I.e. the "Balai." ^ Vaughan-Stevens, ii. 153, 154.