Forlong - Rivers of Life

Sun Worship.
mid May, and to have observed such days as Childermas, and sacrificed to Hermi or
Termini. Bourne tells us that in most ancient times (and he quotes from very good Latin
writers), naked women used to dance at Flora’s festival, 1 which is in entire accordance
with the customs of Southern climes. Highland shepherds used to meet and hold “a rural
sacrifice,” says Mr. Pennant, when a spot was first hallowed by a square trench being
dug, leaving a turf in the centre, where a fire was made, and a strong brew of spirits
prepared, part of which was offered to the fire and ground; then each made a cake
with nine knobs, and turning solemnly to the Fire, broke these off one by one, and flung
it over his shoulder, saying, “Preserve my lambs; this to thee, O eagle, this to thee, O
Fox.” All then feasted, and whatever could not be eaten, was his away by two persons
deputed for the purpose, and finished on the next Sunday.
May was called “the time of Bastards,” whose arrival seems rather to have been
looked for; certainly not frowned at. They were clearly the result of the autumnal
fetes, of which Burns warned the revellers, in language which those acquainted with old
Scotch can alone comprehend. 2 Highlanders. are very much afaid of the early part of
May, especially the 3d, which they call “Dismal-day;” on whatever day of the week
it falls they bear this in mind throughout the year, and will on no account begin any
work on it. On the 2d, fearing evil spirits and witches, Scotch farmers used to tie
red thread upon their wives as well as their cows, saying these prevented miscarriages
and preserved the milk. They then also placed boughs of the sacred mountain ash,
and sprigs of honey-suckle over all cowhouses. 3 At this time, all Christian Europe
revelled in what came to be called a Passion-Spiel, but of which the Maypole with its
Phallic insignia and trophies was always the centre. Christians throughout the month,
but especially on the day after old May-day (when they asserted that “the Sun of
Righteousness” had “ascended up on High” to give place to the new luminary—the
effulgent Dove, who comes in young June to gladden, confirm, and strengthen all) went
about madly through the land with phallic crosses and banners bearing most of the
ancient devices, and imploring from the god’s blessings on their “bounds” and crops.
In some places, Rogations ceased on Ascension Day, because some said the god having
ascended, his spirit had descended; but the worship of the Boundary Hermi continued
as in “Pagan” Rome, up to the middle of May, when libations and garlands were
showered upon the Lingams just as we see done this day in India.
In moat Eastern countries, groups of officials and priests may always be seen
going round the fields and Bounds at this season, and I suspect the origin of
Ganging of Rogation term is more mundane than Priests or Churches will admit. It
is true, these have had prayers and a liturgy for blessing the crops and Hermi, and for
inveighing against evil men and bad weather for some 1200 years; yet, on watching the
1 Brand’s Antiquities, p. 256.
2 “There’s mony a fun this day begun.
Will end in Hoch-ma-gandi.”
3 Pennant’s Tour in Scotland. Brand’s Antiquities, p. 318.
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