The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IN EAST INDIA THE CUSTOM OF CREMATING THE REMAINS OF THE
DECEASED IS STILL WITH US TODAY. HOWEVER, YEARS AGO WHEN
THE BODY WAS PLACED ON THE FLAMING PYRE, THE FAITHFUL
WIFE WOULD SHOW HER UNDYING DEVOTION BY JUMPING ONTO
THE PYRE. ABOUT THIRTY YEARS AGO, MY GRANDMOTHER, WHO
WAS AT THAT TIME ON A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD, ACTUALLY
SAW SUCH A DEATH CEREMONY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-15-1967