Page:A description of Greenland.djvu/192

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150
The Natural Hiſtory

with him, are obliged to abſtain from certain Victuals, and Work, for a while, according to the Direction of Angekkuts or Divines.

The Women never waſh themſelves during their Mourning-Time, nor appear well dreſſed, or with braided and tied up Hair, but diſhevelled, and hanging about the Face. They muſt put on their Hood as often as they go out of Doors, which is not cuſtomary at other times; but they believe they otherwiſe ſhould ſoon die.

They bewail their Dead long enough: For, as oft as any of their Friends and Acquaintance come from other Places to ſee them, the firſt thing they do is to ſit down in great Sadneſs, and weep and bemoan the Loſs of their deceaſed Friend; after which they are comforted with good Cheer. But if the Deceaſed has left no Friend or Relation behind him, he may lie long enough where he died, whether at home or abroad, before any body comes and buries him. If

a Per-