JANUARY, 1873.]

THE SHOE QUESTION (PARSI). ,

21

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Baraſil qāmārān figurati

MEMORANDUM ON THE SHOE QUESTION AS IT AFFECTS THE PARSÍS. BY REV. JOHN WILSON, D.D., BOMBAY. A GREAT aversion exists in the Pārsī commu

nity to the taking off of shoes as they enter public

Nature, and particularly of the distinctive Ele ments recognized by the ancients. The earth and

or private houses ; and on this aversion they al

ocean (as well as light and fire, the heavenly

most uniformly act, even though they decline to render the other token of respect, the uncovering of the head, customary among tribes and peoples who retain their shoes. They are also indisposed to uncover either their head or feet when taking oaths, standing in the witness-box, or engaging in religious services. Their disinclination to uncover their feet, rests, I am persuaded after much inquiry, on the peculiarities of the religious system which they observe, and not on mere self-assertion or un politeness. All who are intimately acquainted with the Pársis will admit that, in matters of mere cour tesy, they are a considerate and pliant people. It is in part owing to this feature of their character that all along they have been on such good terms

bodies, and the treasures of the atmosphere) are with them considered sacred, and preserved, accord ing to recognized rules, from natural and ceremo

with our countrymen.

A marked feature of the Zoroastrian writings, which the Pärsſs consider the rule of their belief

and practice, is Physiolatry, or the worship of

nial defilement.

The Pársis, in consistency with the principle now referred to, consider themselves as guilty of a defile ment of the earth when they touch it with their bare feet, except when they are offered bodily to the earth, with effusions of water made upon them in articulo mortis. The Pärsſs, when praying to fire in their own houses, or when repeating general prayers, keep on their shoes. The Pārsī Mobeds, when they enter the Atishgāh, or sanctum of the Fire-Altar, leave their walking shoes without, exchanging them for slippers kept in readiness at the entrance of the Atishgāh. Besides

slippers, they may have on stockings when they approach the altar. The slippers they leave at the margin of the holy place when they resume their shoes.