Messenger on horseback idol paper, 1890
Scope and Contents
Label #7.
Dates
- Creation: 1890
Creator
- From the Collection: Lucy Estabrook Stearns Hartwell (Assistant Teacher 1849-1851) (Person)
- From the Collection: Hartwell, Emily Susan, 1859-1951 (Class of 1883, A.M. 1922; Missionary in China) (Donor, Person)
Access Restrictions
No restrictions. Open for research.
Biographical / Historical
"A messenger on horseback carrying a letter of apology in his hand. This is burned when a person learns of another person who hold a grudge against him has died. It is thought that a person at death, on entering the spirit world, becomes more powerful and will return to take vengeance. The person who has injured the one who has died fears retribution, so burns much of this idol paper hoping to make peace by offering apology for the wrong done. This fear of retribution is a powerful deterrent to wrong doing in China."
Emily Hartwell, Foochow China, circa 1890
Extent
From the Collection: 3.0 Cubic Feet (1 archival box, objects, and photographs)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the Marion B. Gebbie Archives and Special Collections Repository