THE LYING-IN-STATE

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 82, 6 April 1923, Page 7

THE LYING-IN-STATE

OF THE JAPANESE PRINCE

CURIOUS RITES AND SYMBOLISM.

(UNIJTO PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPTMBHT.)

(AUSTRALIAN . NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.)

PARIS, sth. April,

Curious rites and. symbolism are associated with the lying-in-State oi Prince Kitashirakawa at the Japanese Embassy, where a large number of Japanese residents in France, and high French officials, passed before the ebony and lead coffin.

In accordance with Shinto rites, a kind of buffet containing several trays and edibles for the nourishment of the departed Prince ha-s been placed in front ol the coffin. One tray holds a carefully cooked pheasant, and others salt, rice-water, arid dishes of asparagus and biscuits. There is also a large trout lying on its back, with its mouth, wide open. In the centre are vases containing beautiful fans, feebly illuminated by Japanese lanterns. On the floor is a conical laurel tree, a substitute for the Japanese sakaki bush, whose evergreen leaves symbolise perennial life. Hanging from the branches are little oblong pieces of paper on which are inscribed prayers for the dead.

To-night the aparagus, fruit, and fish will be removed and burned, having been supposed eaten by the dead man during his last voyage.The Embassy staff are greatly troubled owing to the absence on the Continent of a priest, the " special emissary of Heaven," who in accordance with the religious customs of the Imperial Family, should recite prayers and invoke gods in front of a miniature house near the coffin during the time in which the soul passes into it.

("Prince Kitashirakawa was killed in a recent motoring accident, and his wife, a sister of the Mikado, seriously injured.]