Innumerable as the Starrs of Night,
Or Starrs of Morning, Dew-drops, which the Sun Impearls on every leaf and every flouer Milton |
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Beauty is truth, truth beauty,
— that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know. Keats
E = M
Energy is eternal delight.
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What wailing wight
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Impearls: HIC 3.08: The brush dance Item page — this may be a chapter or subsection of a larger work. Click on link to access entire piece. Earthdate 2005-11-12
The brush dance
A minor dance is called the “brush dance” by the Americans. It is ostensibly held to cure an ailing child. As a matter of fact it is often made when the younger men are desirous of a holiday. Whether, however, the initiative comes from an alarmed mother or from those who wish to enjoy themselves, the sick child must be provided. It is kept at the dance all night, and the woman who recites the formula speaks it for the child's benefit. The dance is held in the living house, but the roof and most of the walls of this are taken down for the occasion. On the first night young men dance about the fire for a few hours. They wear no ornaments but hold boughs of foliage up before them. The following night is an intermission, and on the third or fourth night the dance proper takes place from dark until dawn. The regalia are somewhat variable, especially as regards headdresses, but represent no great value. Arrow-filled quivers and sometimes small obsidian blades mounted on sticks are carried. All ornaments of considerable intrinsic value are reserved for the two great dances. The participants enter the house in competitive parties, each dancing to three songs on every appearance. Two formulas are in use for the dance, or, it would be better to say, two types of ceremonial action in connection with the formula, since the latter is always somewhat different according to the individual reciting it. The umeleyek formula is spoken on the first and third nights; the alternative worero, which is considered stronger, on the first and fourth, and is followed by the waving of pitch-pine brands over the child.
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