Trees turned into Bears

xlix.--_Trees turned into Bears._ The rotten branches or roots of trees sometimes turn into bears. Such bears as these are termed _payep kamui_, _i.e._ "divine…

xlix.--_Trees turned into Bears._

The rotten branches or roots of trees sometimes turn into bears. Such bears as these are termed _payep kamui_, _i.e._ "divine walking creatures," and are not to be killed by human hand. Formerly they were more numerous than they are now, but they are still sometimes to be seen.--(Written down from memory. Told by Penri, July, 1886.)

l.--_Coition._

The Ainos think it very unlucky for the woman to move ever so slightly during the act of coition. If she does so, she brings disasters upon her husband, who is sure to become a poor man. For this reason, the woman remains absolutely quiet, and the man alone moves.--(Written down from memory. Told by Penri, July, 1886.)

li.--_Birth and Naming._

Before birth, clothes are got ready for the expected baby, who is washed as soon as born.[F] The divine symbols are set up, and thanks are offered to the gods. Only women are present on the occasion. Generally in each village there are one or two old women who act as midwives.

The child may be named at any time. Ishanashte said that it was usually two or three months, Penri said that it was two or three years, after birth. The name chosen is usually founded on some circumstance connected with the child, but sometimes it is meaningless. The parent's name is never given, for that would be unlucky. How, indeed, could a child continue to be called by such a name when its father had become a dead man, and consequently one not to be mentioned without tears?--(Written down from memory. Told by Penri and Ishanashte, July, 1886.)