Eclipse Stops Business.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 July 1914, Page 8

Eclipse Stops Business.

The natives of India, says one oi our military correspondents,; are verj superstitious, and have very few cus toms in common with the West, but what struck me as being the most peculiar occurred a short time ago. Whilst making a journey into th< Bazaar at Meerut for the purpose oi making a few purchases, I was quit* surprised on being informed that 1 could not buy anything as the moon was eclipsed. The shops were still open, and women and children were rushing- from shop to shop collecting bakesheesh in large bags, and apparently making the most of a good time. This bakesheesh consisted of rice,-corn, and an occa sional copper coin equal to th< value of a farthing.

On inquiry I Was told thas no thing could be sold during tin eclipse, as .the moon had offended ths sun, and was being punished in the shape of being deprived of its light By giving away this bakesheesh' the natives believe that they are assisting the moon during its" trouble and that its light will' be restored much quicker. ? I had to wait quite three-quarters of an hour before the moon had cleared, during which time it was impossible to -persuade the natives to sell anything, as by so doing they would lose their caste.