ODD PAPERS

Southland Times, Issue 20633, 3 November 1928, Page 13 (Supplement)

ODD PAPERS

THE MIKADO’S ENTHRONEMENT

(By

M. S. Primmer.)

Japan! Youngest of Eastern nations, yet by Western count hoary with age; curious mixture of ancient and modern! On this side stands a factory, dozens of men busy with the most up-to-date machinery, turning out enormous quantities of more or less unnecessary trifles for the rest of the world, the native manager sprucely clad Western-wise; through a doorway one catches a bewitching glimpse of gaily-kim-onoed children, happily playing at hopskotch, in spite of nodding babies tied to their backs, and of busy little house-wives, clattering on their hakimomo, while softly chattering as they choose a few inches of smoked fish, bamboo shoots, and other comestibles. Hygienic in many respects, they yet fearlessly eat almost raw food, that has been unemotionally exposed to the germ-laden dust of inadequately drained streets. Where else could be found the unique spectacle of a nation, priding itself —and rightly so—on its excellent educational system, its efficient navy, and its diplomatists that have forced her into the ranks of the Great Five, and that can withal, with every mark of reverence and religious sincerity, sink class and personal differences to join in the coronation ceremonies of its Emperor? Early Ceremonials. But let us cast our minds back nearly a year, when on December 25, the Emperor Yoshihito, having mounted the dragon’s back to join his ancestors, his son, Prince Hirohito, ascended the throne, being the 124th of his line to rule. Following the custom of nearly 1300 years the young soverign took the prophetic title that had already been found for him by the court astrologers, the title that is to mark his reign, and is now entered in the annuals as Sho-wa, the Period of Peace with Justice, or The Years of Radient Peace. Has not Japan’s work on the League of Nations already shown how well this name was chosen? At once began the Zengi, or preparatory ceremonies, which lasting for 9 months, have only just culminated in the enthronement of the Emperor. January saw the gathering together of the priests and high officials in the Imperial Palace of Tokyo, where with the Emperor and the royal princes present, Heaven indicated an auspicious date for the coronation. This accomplished. there followed the picturesque “Messenger-Sending” observance, it being of vital importance to tell the Ancestors what had been decided. In the wonderful Phoenix Hall of the Tokyo Palace assembled the Prime Minister, and various courtiers of high standing, in the midst of whom quietly entered a kingly figure, fittingly dressed in treasured ancient embroidered robes. Specially selected trusty men were called, who with deep obeisance received the precious scroll destined for the Ancestors, re-, verantly placed it in a casket of pure white wood, and backing from the royal presence, set off on their long journey to the shrine of the great Emperor Jimmu Tenno, founder of the line in 60 8.C., who with the last three rulers must be informed of all State affairs. Yuki And Suki. In February special fields were chosen for the growing of the sacred rice to be used later. With Kyoto as the starting point, naturally so as it is at this ancient capital that all enthronements have taken place for the last 1100 years, sections Suki to the N.E. and Yuki to the S.E. were selected and awaited the final decision of the Gods as to details. This was obtained by writing on 5 pieces of paper the names of 5 localities, these being then placed on a piece of tortoiseshell and burnt. The heat soon cracked the shell, and the papers fell through on to previously named lucky or unlucky lines. The two that touched the luckiest were thereupon picked out, and a notification sent to the delighted farmer, who lost no time in sowing his seed. A few weeks ago, in September, having already purified themselves in the river the day before, the proud owners of the field and their assistants, clad in spotless white, might have been seen working happily, in spite of the intense heat, to harvest the grain, destined To play an important role in November. In charge of all was the Imperial Rice-Puller. Meanwhile in June the foundation-stone was laid of the great Banqueting Hall in Kyoto, the main ridge pole being carried in a procession by high officials and whiterobed priests. Three Sacred Treasures. Last and most solemn of the Zengi rites was the departure of the Emperor from Tokyo to Kyoto. Prayers and offerings at the Imperial Sanctuary (Kashiko-dokoro) at an early hour were followed by the procession, to the station, of His Majesty in a red and gold state carriage, strangely reminiscent of Napoleonic vehicles, though in this case with a poised phoenix instead of eagle. A picturesque group of 32 youths from Yase,. which by immemorial custom has the glory of supplying this guard of honour, wended their way bearing on their shoulders an exquisite red lacquer palanquin, a colour that mingled well with their green garments and quaint tall black hats. Thronged with deeply bowing crowds were the roadsides, for at this moment passed the sanctuary containing the Mirror, given in those far off times of gods and heroes by the Sun-Goddess to her god-child, and by him handed to Jimmu Tenno, certainly not more recently than 2000 years ago and popularly dated as far back as 660 B.C. Legend relates how the Sun-goddess, once sulking in a cave, the earth and all the fruit thereof was threatened with death. A mirror, or piece of shining metal, was, however, cunningly hung outside her cave, and so placed to catch the feminine eye. The trick was completely successful, for curiosity led her out, and the waiting gods at once blocked up the cave. It is this mirror that now forms one of the three most precious heirlooms in Japan. For centuries no human eye has ventured to look at it. Kept at the Grand Shrine at Ise, not far from Kyoto, it lies in a rich brocade bag, locked in its plain casket of the most perfect piece of hinoki wood, this in turn being protected by a wooden cage, covered with heavy silk. As time neces-

sitates, a new bag may be supplied, but always must it be slipped over the old one, so that now it has quite a number of wrappings.

Three symbolic gifts did this goddess bestow on her favourite, as he left to restore order among mankind, saying “As shines the mirror, so let your life be flawless and righteous. With this sword, defend the weak, be brave against your enemies, and valorous in all things. Guard this jewelled necklace as life itself, so that its smooth stones may remind you that gentleness and benevolence belong to those descended from the Gods.” Without these no Emperor may come to the throne of Japan; with them he is endowed with the trinity of virtues, uprightness, courage and charity, blessed by the gods themselves. The great Ise Shrine, where are housed these priceless treasures and removed only for the accession of a ruler, is the scene of yearly pilgrimages of Japanese from aH

parts of the world, and so much is it venerated, that all working in. the grounds or in any way connected with its safe keeping, must wear unsullied white, and have frequent purification baths.