and ludicrous fiend. Another striking illustration is to be found
in the word _devil_ itself. When traced back to its primitive source, it
is found to be a name of the Supreme Being.[391:2]

The ancients had a great number of festival days, many of which are
handed down to the present time, and are to be found in Christianity.

We have already seen that the 25th of December was almost a universal
festival among the ancients; so it is the same with the _spring_
festivals, when days of fasting are observed.

The _Hindoos_ hold a festival, called _Siva-ratri_, in honor of _Siva_,
about the middle or end of February. _A strict fast is observed during
the day._ They have also a festival in April, when a strict fast is kept
by some.[392:1]

At the _spring equinox_ most nations of antiquity set apart a day to
implore the blessings of their god, or gods, on the fruits of the earth.
At the autumnal equinox, they offered the fruits of the harvest, and
returned thanks. In China, these religious solemnities are called
"Festivals of gratitude to Tien."[392:2] The last named corresponds to
_our_ "Thanksgiving" celebration.

One of the most considerable festivals held by the ancient
_Scandinavians_ was the _spring_ celebration. This was held in honor of
Odin, at the beginning of spring, in order to welcome in that pleasant
season, and to obtain of their god happy success in their projected
expeditions.

Another festival was held toward the autumn equinox, when they were
accustomed to kill all their cattle in good condition, and lay in a
store of provision for the winter. This festival was also attended with
religious ceremonies, when Odin, the supreme god, was thanked for what
he had given them, by having his altar loaded with the fruits of their
crops, and the choicest products of the earth.[392:3]

There was a grand celebration in Egypt, called the "Feast of Lamps,"
held at Sais, in honor of the goddess Neith. Those who did not attend
the ceremony, as well as those who did, burned lamps before their houses
all night, filled with oil and salt: thus all Egypt was illuminated. It
was deemed a great irreverence to the goddess for any one to omit this
ceremony.[392:4]

The _Hindoos_ also held a festival in honor of the goddesses Lakshmi and
Bhavanti, called "_The feast of Lamps_."[392:5] This festival has been
handed down to the present time in what is called "Candlemas day," or
the purification of the Virgin Mary.

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