Travels Of Marco Polo: Twenty Seven

The Tartars begin their year in February [1]  On this day the Khan and his subjects wear white robes.  This day signifies joy and good fortune.  On that day all who hold land or dominion under him make the most magnificent present in their power, consisting of gold, silver, pearls, precious stones, and rich white clothes, so that during the whole year he may have abundance of treasures and means of enjoying himself.  About 5000 camels and 100000 beautiful white horses are presented in this way.  On that day the Khan too is gratified with atleast 5000 elephants cloths of silk and gold, finely wrought with figures of beasts and birds, and each having on his back a box filled with vessels of gold and silver, and other things necessary for feast.  They all pass before the great Khan, and form the most brilliant spectacle ever seen in the world.  In the morning of the festival day, before the tables are spread, the Kings, Generals, the Counts, astrologers, physicians, falconers, and many other officers and rulers come to the hall of the sovereign, and those who are not admitted remain out side of the palace, in a place where the monarch fully see them.  They are in the following order:- Foremost his sons, nephews, and others of his lineage; then kings, generals and others according to their rank.  As soon as each has taken his place, a great prelate rises, and says with a loud voice, "inclined and adore" and presently all bent down, touch their head on the earth, and make prayers to their master, adoring him as God. This they do four times, and then go to the altar, on which is written the name of great Khan.  Then out of a beautiful box, they pour the incense on that table in reverence of him, and return to their place.  They then make those rich and valuable presents which I have discribed.  When all these things have been done, and the prince has seen them all, the tables are placed, and they sit down, when the feast is ordered and celebrated in the manner already explained.  Now that I have described to you the joy of the White Feast, I will tell you of a most noble thing done by this monarch, for he has ordered vestments to be bestowed upon the barons there present.

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[1].  Chinese Calendar is based on Lunisolar Calendar, a combination of lunar calendar and solar Calendar. So their New day may vary. The New Year occurs on the New Moon that falls on a day between 21st January and 20th February. Thus as per Georian Calendar 2024 their New day was Saturday 10th February 2024.  For the year 2025 it will be on Wednesday, 29th January. The New Year day is celebrated as Spring Festival.

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