Ebook Symbolism of the East and West

MY knowledge of India began twenty — one years ago, and almost the half of this interval has been spent in wanderings over that vast continent, from Cape Comorin in the South, to Peshawar on our Northern frontier; a large portion of the remainder has been occupied in European travel, dur ing which I always sought for, and noted in museums and elsewhere, any objects or customs bearing upon Eastern Symbolism. Since their original appearance in the Indian Antiquary much has been added to these papers relative to folk-lore and folk-customs in Europe. One of the results of the present increased facilities of locomotion has been a growth of new ideas in various countries, and especially in some hitherto isolated districts; thereby many curious old customs and superstitions (of much assistance to us in tracing the connection between East and West) are doomed to speedy extinction. No time is to be lost, then, by travellers who would witness and record their existence. It would seem, therefore, most desirable to stimulate research in this direction, and by the publication of a work like the present, to enable the individual traveller to recognise any ancient customs or symbols he may meet with.