Note 82 — Chapter VI · Magic Rites as affecting the Life of Man

While this ceremony is proceeding inside, music strikes up and a special dance, called the Henna Dance (mĕnari hinei),82 is performed, a picturesque feature of which is a small cake of henna, which is contained in a brazen cup (gompong hinei) and surrounded by candles. This cup is carried by the dancer,83 who has to keep turning it over and over without letting the candles be extinguished by the wind arising from the rapid motion.