Canon LXV.
The
fires which are lighted on
the new moons by some before their shops and houses, upon which
(according to a certain ancient custom) they are wont foolishly and
crazily to leap, we order henceforth to cease. Therefore,
whosoever shall do such a thing, if he be a cleric, let him be deposed;
but if he be a layman, let him be cut off.
For it is written in the Fourth Book of the
Kings “And Manasses built an altar to the whole host of heaven,
in the two courts of the Lord, and made his sons to pass through the
fire, he used lots and augurs and divinations by birds and made
ventriloquists [or pythons
380
] and multiplied
diviners, that he might do evil before the Lord and provoke him to
anger.”
381
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon
LXV.
The fires which were made upon the new moons at the
workshops are condemned and those who leaped upon them.
Lupin remarks that the fires kindled on certain
Saints’ days are almost certainly remains of this heathen
practice. These fires are often accompanied with leaping,
drinking, and the wrestling of young men.
380
Only in the
Latin.
381
II. Kgs.
xxi. 5 & 6
.