GLOSSARY

Only the terms which occur often are given.

AL - A ceremony performed to propitiate the spirit of an animal killed,
in the chase, or of a human being killed in war. The performer's
spirit will own the spirit of person or animal killed in the next
world. The term is also used for a ceremony performed to celebrate
a particularly good crop—Buh-Ai, or Buh-za-aL

Boi.—Persons who have taken refuge in the chief's house.
Dai-bawl.—A series of sacrifices to the demons of the hills, &c.

Hlam-zuih.—Lushai. A first-born child that dies within a year of its birth
and is buried without any ceremony.

Hrilh.—A period during which no work must be done, after a sacrifice,
closely resembling the TSfaga genna.

Huai.—Lushai. Demons who cause sickness,

Jhum.—A piece of land on which the jungle has been felled and burnt
for cultivation.

Kawhring.—A person whose spirit takes possession of another's body,
Jbhe spirit of such a person.

Khal.—A series of sacrifices to the demons of the village site, only
performed by Lushais.

Khuavang.—Lushai. A powerful spirit, sometimes used for " luck."

Kum-ai.—Children's sleeping platform.

Kum-pui.—Parent's sleeping platform.

Kut.—Lushai. Festivals connected with the crops.

Lai.—Lushai. Chief.

Lashi. —Lushai. Mythical beings who control wild animals. Known also
to Aimol and Vaiphei.

Mi-thi-khua.—"Dead men's village." Expression used by all clans for
the place of departed souls.

Mi-thi-rawp-lam.—A feast in honour of the dead.

Palal,—A man who receives part of the bride-price, and acts as trustee to
the bride.

Pathian.—LushaL The Creator. Very similar names are used by all the
clans dealt with.