BIRTH AND DEATH FORBIDDEN

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 305, 19 September 1921, Page 5

BIRTH AND DEATH FORBIDDEN

CURIOUS RULES OF A JAPANESE ISLAND. In tho Inland Sea of Japan is an island with 3000 inhabitants of both sexes; but on that island births and deaths practically never happen, observes "Everyday Science.” For ages this island, known as Miyajima, has been given over to religious ceremonies, and most of its inhabitants are priests, image carvers, and fishermen. Miyajima is, in tho eye© of tho Japanese, one of tho three sights of the country. Some of it is cultivated, but most consists .of wooded heights and rocky valleys, with streams of crystal water. Wild animals, including largo herds of deer, abound, and are never touched by tho people. Hirds and all kinds of creatures become so tamo that, they do not fear man in tho least, and crime of any sort is practically unknown. One of tho most rigorous rules: on Miyajima is that there must 1k» no deaths or births. When a child is likely to bo born the woman is rowed: across to the mainland, and anyone who is very ill is removed in a like manner. In the old days very severe jasnalties were inflicted on tho relatives of anyone who' chanced to die on tho island. Even to-day the relatives are banished for a month. Another curious rule is that no one is allowed to keep a dog. Although this strango island is venerated so much by the Japanese, they do not object, to white men visiting tho place.