Note 347 — Chapter XV · TAOISM, LOCAL DEITIES, TREE-WORSHIP
Reading edition
The Rev. Ernest Box, writing on "Shanghai Folk-lore" in the Journal of the China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (vol. xxxv. 1901-2, p. 123), mentions that human sacrifices are said to have taken place in the building of one of the silk-filatures at Soochow. "I am also informed," he says, "that in the potteries in Kiangsi a new furnace is secretly consecrated by the shedding of a child's blood, as a sacrifice to ward off evil influences or accidents." Mr. Box seems to be inclined to ascribe the custom to the desire of propitiating the spirits of the earth.