Getting ready to march

Holy women chanted some prayers, and other women bearing baskets of fruit, fabrics, or other gifts formed a line in front. Dozens of strong young men stepped into the bamboo grid and, all at once, lifted the platform onto their shoulders. To my surprise, they immediately shook the tower violently from side to side and ran it around in circles. This precautionary move was intended to disorient the spirit so it -- or she -- could not jump off and stay behind to haunt the family in the future.