other spices, which are sold for offerings. At right angles runs another row, with
the same number of priests, all kneeling in the Arab fashion, their bodies partly
resting on the calves of their legs. These are older than the former group, and
may be regarded as the patriarchs of their respective villages. Behind each stands
a payong-bearer, shading his master from the sun with a large umbrella. Their
dress consists of a white gown worn over the sarong, which is tied to the waist
by a broad red belt. Over the shoulders hang two bands of yellow silk, bound
with scarlet, and their ends ornamented with tassels and gold coins. The head-
dress consists of a large turban, adorned with gay silken scarfs. In front of each
priest are spread small packets made of plantain leaves, containing incense,
sandal-wood chips, and other preparations; wooden censers, throwing forth jets
of fragrant smoke; and a vessel, made of plaited ratan, for holding water.
At a short distance from the priests a motley crowd is assembled, waiting for the
various offerings they have deposited upon specially prepared bamboo stands, to
be consecrated. These offerings consist of cocoa-nuts, plantains, pine-apples,
mangoes, and other fruits; of baskets of young chickens; of trays loaded with all
kinds of cakes; of strips of silk and calico; of gold, silver, and copper coins.
After spending a few minutes in prayer, the priest dips his goupillon or cup into
the vessel of water before him, mutters a few unintelligible words, and sprinkles
the oblations as they are successively presented. Then all the holy men bow their
heads, and repeat loudly and distinctly a ritual prayer.
The oldest rises up, followed in succession by his sacerdotal companions,
uttering a phrase which sounds like “Ayo, ayo, Bromok!” and probably means,
“Forward, forward to the Bromok!” At this signal all the crowd rush to the
Bromok, impressed with a belief that he who first gains the ridge will be the
favourite of fortune, and presently meet with some exceptional stroke of good
luck. At intervals some of the older priests come to a halt, spread their mats, and
prostrate themselves in prayer for five or ten minutes, thus securing an interval
of rest at the same time that they win a reputation for special devoutness.
On reaching the summit of the volcano, the various families and individuals
again present their offerings to the priests, who mumble over them a few
additional words: they are then thrown into the crater, each person eagerly
repeating some prayer or wish. And thus concludes the strange ceremony by
which the spirits of the Bromok are supposed to be propitiated. The crowd
descend from the volcano to join in various games and pastimes; towards
evening they begin to disperse, and as the night spreads its cloud of darkness