1. The King's Birth-day, which is kept at Deyly (in tho East-Indies) five days, with great Pomp at Court, the Palace covered all over with Paviolions of rich Stuffs, precious Stones, Gold, Silver; deck'd Elephants, Presents made to the King; Trifles given by him, Feasting, Bonefires, Dances, Dice, &c. The Mogul himself weighed in a Balance, &c.
I was told, (saith my Author) That a Ba∣nian of Deyly played so deep at Dice last Festival, that he lost all his Money, Goods, House, Wife and Children; at last, he that won, gave back the Wife and Children, but no more of the Estate, then to the value of an 100000 Crowns. M. de Thev. See the second Book; Frugality.
2. The Chinese celebrate their Birth-days very solemnly, a fortnights time spending the days in Pastime, and the Nights with Feasts. Sir Th. Her∣bert.
The Gaurs have thirty Holy-days in honour of their Saints, which they keep very strictly, no Man daring to work. Especially their Prophet's Birth-day is celebrated with an extraordinary Pomp, and giving of large Alms. Tavernier l. 4. c. 8.
There is one day in the Year, when all the Wo∣men of every City and Village meet together to kill all the Frogs they can find in the Fields; and this by the command of their Prophet, who was one day much annoyed with them. Idem.
When-ever there is an Eclipse of Sun or Moon, the Indians break all their Earthen Pots and Dishes in the House, which makes a hideous noise toge∣ther. And commonly Multitudes run to the Ri∣ver Ganges to wash themselves, throwing Meats