Demon Worship And Other Superstitions In Ceylon

The author reveals that this little book endeavors to deconstruct the myth of demon worship and its practitioners with a modern outlook. Listing the causes of the malaise caused by the demons, he analyses them and gives the medical reason for the sickness; not to mention ignorance. The inhabitants of this part of land (Sinhalese) foolishly believe that by flattery or force they can compel powerful demons to obey them. They offer to them little bits of flesh and other articles which even a beggar would despise. They think them so stupid as to be deceived by the silliest tricks. They think that there are gods and goddesses, like Katragam and Pattini, who require to be propitiatedThey dare not do certain things because the planets are supposed to be unfavourable, their fields and fruit trees may be blasted by the evil eye, the howling of a dog or the sight of an empty pot may make them miserable for a whole day. No man is without enemies, whom he suspects to be seeking to injure him or even cause his death by huniyan, angarn or pilli charms. This book was first published in 1891.