Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Pongal in Rome


Observing the rituals and local practices on the occasion of Pongal, Mr H.H.Wilson, Professor of Sanskrit, University of Oxford, highlights striking points of coincidence between the observances of the East and the West.  This extract is from his book, “Essays and lectures on the religions ofIndia”, published in 1862. (page 172)

"There can be no doubt that the observance of the Uttarayana is a practice of high antiquity, and there can be equally little doubt that it was of like universality amongst, at least, the Indo-Teutonic races. The analogies are so obvious, that they must instantly occur to every one's mind; and the offerings and distribution of food and sweetmeats and presents, the sports and the rejoicing, and the interchange of mutual good wishes, which characterize the Uttarayana amongst the Hindus, are even yet, though to a less extent than heretofore, retained by Christian nations at the same season; beginning with the plum-puddings and mince-pies of Christmas, passing through the new year's gifts and happy new years, and terminating with Twelfth-night. Whatever modifications these types of rejoicing may have undergone, and however changed in their present purport, by their connexion with our religious faith, they are evidently of the same general character as the observances of the Hindus; and designate the commencement of a period, in which the northern hemisphere is again to be gladdened by the proximity of the fountain of light and heat.
In looking for the more striking points of coincidence between the observances of the East and West at this particular season, it is not necessary to be restricted to dates, beyond approximate limits. Our own calendar has been subjected to different reforms, which have, even within a recent term, advanced, by twelve days, the enumeration of the days of the month; and alterations of an astronomical nature have also been alluded to, which may perhaps explain further deviations in this respect. The main point of agreement is unaffected. It is not the recurrence of any precise day of the week or month that constitutes the occasion of the celebration; it is the recurrence of the commencement of the sun's northward course, the Uttarayana, or winter solstice, from which all the manifestations of gladness derive their origin: and whether this be fixed accurately or inaccurately — whether the period at which the phenomenon was first noticed has in the course of ages undergone a change —is immaterial. Little doubt can be entertained that the same event gave rise to the same feelings; and that they have been expressed by actions, varying in form, but not in spirit, by very distant nations, through a very long succession of the generations of mankind.
It has already been seen that the Romans connected the beginning of the year with the sun's entrance into Capricorn, and that they then celebrated the renovation of nature. Their mode of celebrating it seems to have had many things in common with the usages of the Hindus, particularly in the interchange of sweetmeats; only substituting for the rice, cakes, and molasses of the Hindus, figs, dates, and honey. These articles they sent, at this season, to their friends and relations: they were intended, according to Janus, to be ominous of an agreeable year to follow.
Whatever may be thought of this coincidence, there can scarcely be a doubt that we have some community of origin between the Pongal and the blessing of the cattle at Rome, on the day dedicated to St. Anthony. According to the legend, the Saint once tended a herd of swine, and hence possibly his connexion with other animals. A much more intelligible relation subsists between them and the Hindu Indra, or Jupiter pluvius, as provender is plentiful and nutritive in proportion as rain is abundant. It will be observed that the time of the year, the decorating of the cattle, the bringing them to a public place, the sprinkling of them with holy water, and the very purport of the blessing, that they may be exempt from evils, are so decidedly Indian, that could a Dravira Brahman be set down of a sudden in the Piazza, before St. Mary's church at Rome, and were he asked what ceremony he witnessed, there can be no doubt of his answer; he would at once declare they were celebrating the Pongal.
The long course of ages which has elapsed has necessarily impaired the evidence of a perfect concordance between the ceremonies with which the nations of antiquity commemorated the sun's northern journey; yet no reasonable doubt can be entertained that they did agree in celebrating that event with practices, if not precisely the same, yet of a very similar character; and that traces of such conformity are still to be discovered in the unaltered ritual of the Hindus, and the popular, though ill - understood and fast expiring practices of the Christian world,— affording a curious and interesting proof of the permanency of those institutions which have their foundation in the immutable laws of nature, and in the common feelings of mankind."

17 comments:

dagalti said...

Missed an opportunity to title the post: Yule never believe this

What is the earliest record of celebration in India? The link mentions a vague reference to Pandias quoting puranas(!) and shastras. That's about it.

ashok said...

Hope to see u write more often

Hot said...

Best Escort Girls

Mary Kent said...

DO YOU NEED A LOAN?
We are a financial consultants that handles international finances for any amount of banking instruments. What about finding a reputable Debt Consolidation firm that can assist you in reducing monthly installment so that you will have affordable repayment options as well as room to breathe when it comes to the end of the month and bills need to get paid? Mr Steve Wilson Loan Firm (stevewilsonloanfirm@gmail.com) is the answer. Reduce your payments to ease the strain on your monthly expenses. Feel free to engage our leased facilities as We have provided over $2 Billion in business loans to over 25, 000 business owners just like you. We use our own designated risk technology to provide you with the right business loan so you can grow your business. Our services are fast and reliable, loans are approved within 24 hours of successful application.
LINE ID:3091140693
Whatsapp:+14027300344
company website: https://stevewilsonfinancialloanfirm.weebly.com

* Personal loans

* Truck Loans

* Car Loans

* Real Estate Loans

* Refinancing Loans

* Debt consolidation loans

* Education Loans

* Farm Loans

* Corporate Loans

* Business Start-up Loans

We offer loans from a minimum range of $50,000 to a maximum of $500 million, STEVE WILSON LOAN FIRM Will give you loan with an affordable interest rate of 2% and loan duration of 1 to 30 years to pay back the loan (secure and unsecured). Our aim is to provide Excellent Professional Financial Services. Intermediaries/Consultants/Brokers are welcome to bring their clients and are 100% protected. In complete confidence, we will work together for the benefits of all parties involved. Do not keep your financial problems to yourself in order for you not to be debt master or financial stress up, which is why you must contact us quickly for a solution to your financial problems. It will be a great joy to us when you are financially stable
Email us via: stevewilsonloanfirm@gmail.com
LINE ID:3091140693

Yours Sincerely,
Mr Steve Wilson.
LINE ID:3091140693
Whatsapp:+14027300344
company website: https://stevewilsonfinancialloanfirm.weebly.com



We are certified and offer fast and reliable services

Instant Keto Burn said...

Patients who exhibit suicidal behaviors or thoughts must be protected at all times. Once these acute issues have been assessed and identified during evaluation, they’ll immediately be treated until they have passed or the patient has been stabilized. At that time, attention and focus can turn to dealing with withdrawal symptoms associated with detox.

https://www.offerplox.com/instant-keto-burn/

https://www.offerplox.com/fitology-keto-reviews/
https://www.supplementz.org/exipure-reviews/
https://www.supplementz.org/ultra-proven/
https://www.supplementz.org/lean-time-keto/
https://www.supplementz.org/optimal-max-keto/
https://www.supplementz.org/keoni-cbd-gummies/

PT Trim Fat Burn said...

It's important to begin with an understanding of what toxins actually are. No matter how "clean" you live your life, just about everybody shows some evidence of a buildup of toxins. When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted the Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals,

https://supplementsbook.org/pt-trim-fat-burn/
https://supplementsbook.org/african-lean-belly/
https://supplementsbook.org/essence-of-argan/

BSc 3rd Year Admit Card said...

Hello there! This post could not be written any better!
Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
He constantly kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him.
Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

BSc 1st Year Admit Card | BSc 2nd Year Admit Card.

Divya M said...

Thank you - Just shared this post with a colleague who would benefit from reading this, really enjoyed it. Read about pmp certification training from Maria Academy.

Kickin Keto Gummies said...

If there's one factor that I'm good at, it is explaining this yet if wages is your issue, then you may have to discover a way to get the dollars to allow you to go to the best Diet Pills you can afford. I've been dispirited relevant to Weight Loss. You have to lay your cards on the table. If you need the answers to those Diet Pills questions, hang around. That was a routine response.

https://www.offerplox.com/weight-loss/kickin-keto-gummies/

https://www.offerplox.com/cbd-products/proper-cbd-gummies/
https://www.supplementz.org/gold-coast-keto/
https://www.supplementz.org/keto-breeze-acv-gummies/
https://www.offerplox.com/skin-care/amarose-skin/
https://www.offerplox.com/weight-loss/gold-coast-keto/
https://www.offerplox.com/weight-loss/lets-keto-gummies/
https://www.offerplox.com/weight-loss/supreme-keto-acv-gummies/

HydroSerum Para qué Sirve said...

I began that rumor relevant to Skin Rejuvenation just recently but it's where this essay comes in. I know, I am using a more traditional strategy for Skin Care. When you select your Skin Rejuvenation you normally have those options.

https://www.salubritymd.com/

https://sites.google.com/view/hydroserum-ocean-shake/

/bullrun-ero-tabletki said...

It is a down to Earth idea regarding Prostate Support. Men health was designed by them. Who knows? One may even discover Prostate Support. These are stunningly accurate comments in regard to Prostate Support.

https://www.salubritymd.com/bullrun-ero-tabletki/

https://www.salubritymd.com/oclarizin-th/

Lets Keto Gummies said...

There is an endless supply of Diet Pills information. Alright, it wasn't so terrible. This is never going to change. I understood this early on. I've debugged the problem. That might be one of the most important essays you will read this year. It isn't meaningful proof. I can't always locate what I am looking for. I had that dangling suspicion. I am worried with regard to security at moments like this.

https://www.offerplox.com/weight-loss/lets-keto-gummies/

https://www.offerplox.com/men-health/animale-male-enhancement/
https://www.offerplox.com/cbd-products/cbd-gummies-for-sex/
https://www.offerplox.com/weight-loss/keto-extreme-fat-burner/
https://www.nutraket.com/lets-keto-gummies/
https://www.nutraket.com/slim-candy-keto-gummies/
https://www.claimhealthy.com/lifetime-keto-gummies/
https://www.claimhealthy.com/power-vigor-me-gummies/

Tender Management Services - Bidz365 said...

Nice Blog. Visit for GeM Helpdesk Helpline, Vendor Assessment on GeM, Tender Information Services, and Gem Consultancy in Delhi NCR. Visit our website for more information in details.
Gem Consultancy in Delhi NCR

Aarfragrances said...

Amazing Blog. Visit AAR Fragrance for Perfumes for Men Online at Best Prices in India, Buy Perfumes for Women Online in India, Davidoff Cool Water For Men EDT 125ml, and Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue EDT 100ml.
Davidoff Cool Water For Men EDT 125m

JDM of Washington said...

Get the best deals on honda acura engines for sale, toyota transmission for sale and jdm lexus engines online at JDM of Washington. For more information in detail visit our website.
toyota transmission for sale

Orange Pill Clinic said...

Amazing information. Get the best Home Nursing Services in Delhi NCR for Suturing Removal at Home RT Insertion at Home, and Elderly Care at Home. For more information visit Orange Pill Clinic.
Home Nursing Services in Delhi NCR

amfez said...

Amazing blog, thanks for sharing with us. Visit Amfez for Thakur ji ke Vastra, Laddu Gopal Shringar, Radha Krishna Dress, and God dress online at affordable price.
Thakur ji ke Vastra