Note 45 — Chapter IV · WORSHIP OF ANCESTORS AND SAINTS.

The most favourable times for spirits to enter human bodies are midday, midnight and twilight.45 Women in delivery as well as those in their menses are most liable to be attacked by spirits.46 It is generally believed that persons adorned with ornaments are attacked by spirits, especially in cases of women and children. Again, a common belief prevails in the Konkan that persons, and particularly ladies, decked with flowers and ornaments are more liable to be attacked by spirits than others.47 The people of Fonda are of opinion that spirits generally enter and leave human bodies through the organ of hearing, while the people of Náringre hold that the hair is the best way for spirits to enter.48 The residents of Ibrámpur state that the mouth and the nose are the favourite channels for spirits entering human bodies.49 At Mithbáv it is believed that spirits attack people in the throat, and generally only those persons who are uncleanly in their habits are liable to be attacked. There are no special ways for entering human bodies.50 At Chaul a belief prevails that spirits enter the body when a person is suffering from any disease or when he is frightened.51