Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies - DUBOIS, Abbé Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies, Dubois | Page 312

OVER-EATING AT MEALS
272
This libation is considered rather important. The seven
personages whose names have been mentioned are supposed
it is only fair, therefore,
to require oil to anoint their heads
They, on their side, from feel-
to give them a few drops.
ings of gratitude, grant long life and riches to whoever
;
shows them this mark
But to return to the
of respect.
fasts.
The Brahmins do not appear
to feel the least inconvenience from enforced abstinence
from food. Neither is it a great hardship to them, for
from their early youth they are accustomed to eat nothing
Besides, on these days of mortification
till after midday.
they take care to make up for the lateness of their meal
by the large quantity they eat when once they begin.
Habit has enabled Brahmins to overload their stomachs
with most indigestible food, without feeling any discomfort
One often sees a Brahmin, after making
or inconvenience.
a hearty meal of rice and liquefied butter, eat the whole of
a huge jack-frui