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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[AUGUST, 1894.
being! Nor can it be even swept or disturbed in any way without incurring his deadly wrath! It is somewhat satisfactory, however, that all the house-gods of the country regulate their movements in a definite and known order!
in the 1st and 2nd months he occupies the centre of the house, and is then called Khyimlha-gelthung.
In the 3rd and 4th months he stands in the doorway, and is called Sgo-lha-ta-gyag, the door god of the horse and yak.
In the 5th month he stands under the eaves, and is called yNgas-pa. In the 6th month he stands at the south-west corner of the house. In the 7th and 8th months he stands under the eaves. In the 9th and 10th months he stands in the portable fire-tripod or grate.
In the 11th and 12th months he stands at the kitchen fireside, where a place is reserved for him, and the name given him is Thab-lba or Kitchen God.
His movements thus bear a certain relation to the season, as he is outside in the hottest weather, and at the fire in the coldest.
Formerly his movements were somewhat different. According to the ancient tradition he used to circulate much more extensively and frequently, thus :
In the 1st month he dwelt on the roof for the first half of the month and for latter half on the floor. To repair the roof at such a time meant the death of the head of the family.
In the 2nd, at the top of the stairway. The stair during this month could not be mended, otherwise one of the family would die.
In the 3rd, in the granary. No alterations could be made there during this month, otherwise all the grain would be bewitched and spoiled.
In the 4th, on the doorway. The doorway could not be mended, otherwise any member of the family absent on a journey would die.
In the 5th, in the hand corn-mill and the water-mill. So these could not be mended, otherwise all lack would depart.
In the 6th, in any foxes' or rats' holes that might be near the house. These could not be interfered with, otherwise a child would die.
In the 7th, on the roof. It could not be repaired, otherwise the husband would die. In the 8th, in the wall foundation. It could not be repaired, otherwise a child would die.
In the 9th, up the chimney. It must not be repaired, otherwise the house would be transferred to a new owner.
In the 10th, in the beams or standard posts. It mast not be repaired, otherwise the house would collapse.
In the 11th, underneath the fire-place. It must not be repaired, otherwise the house-wife would die of hiccough or vomitting.
In the 12th, in the stable. It must not be repaired or disturbed, otherwise the cattle would die or be lost.
Other precautions in regard to the House Demon's presence and penalties for disturbing him are as follow :
In the 1st and 2nd months when the god is in the middle of the house, the fire-grate must not be placed there, but in a corner of the house, and no dead body must be placed there.
When he is at the door, no bride or bridegroom can come or go, nor any corpse be carried across it. Should there, however, be no other means of exit, by a window or otherwise, and
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