Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-08-08
JAPANESE RITES
AT FUNERAL ODD
American Traveller Describes
Strange Customs in Orien-
tai Burial Ceremony.

| Washington, d. G. Aug. 8-The oddf-
ties of Japanese funeral are describ-
ed in a communication to the National
Geographic society, at Washington, D.
c., by VIM. w. Chaplin, who has ex-
tensively explored the far east.
First came four men, each carry
| ing f1imsy artificial tree, about three
feet long, representing the lotus plant
followed by eight coolies bearing on
their shoulder two poles about IS
feet long, from which hung the coffin
When the family of the deceased Is
unable to bear the expense of a full
length coffin a smaller square one is
used, the remains being placed in
sitting posture. These receptacIes
are sometimes too small to receive the
remains without breaking the limbs.
'In the present case, owing to the
affluent circumstances of the deceas-
ed, the coffin was of full length, its
frail construction in the style of toy
Swiss cottage. The two sides were
hung with bamboo curtains of so loose
weave as to show plainly the out
line of the occupant, who proved to
be a woman. The remains were fol-
lowed by rikishas containing the mour-
uers and friends. On reaching the
auditorium of a nearby Buddhist tenn
pie, the poles from which the coffin
hung extended so far into the en-
trance that it Vas difficult to gain adj
mittance. The affairs in these temples
occupy so much of the room that lit
tie is left for the people. Spaces were
assigned US on the floor at the right
where we could sit. In front of each
one stood a tray with cigarette and
small brazier containing a live coal
to furnishing light for the smoker.
1.-The mourners were kneeling on
the floor at the left. Just back of the
altar enclosure stood low stand; be-
hind this sat the high priest, large
gong at his right, and just back of
him sat the two other priests with
pair of cymbals. The service con-
sisted of prayers, repeated first by one
and then another, then all three in
unison, with occasional readings from
scrolls, all interspersed with strokes
on the gong and clangs of the cymbals.
During the service the bereaved hus-
band passed to the front of each group
of friends. including our party, knelt
facing each group, and bowed to the
floor. This salutation was returned by
all in a similar manner. as an ex-
preston of regard and sympathy.
Toward the close of the service an
attendant entered, bearing an armful
of paper boxes about the size of
pound candy box, filed with small
cakes and CONNECTION neatly tied. IN
der the string of each box was slip
with heavy mourning border and Jap
anese characters, which our guide
translated for us as follows: Many
thanks for your honorable attendance
for tie funeral of Sem, my deceased
wife, today. Excuse for my express
ing thanks here instead to call at your
residence promptly. Yours respectful
ly, Umesuke Saiki and relative. 10Th
day, fourth month, 42d year, Mali
One of these boxes was laid on the
floor in front of each person, to be
carried away by him. During the early
part of the service those who felt
disposed smoked the cigarettes provid-
ed in the trays, and partook of the
tea, which was also served"
The funeral described by Mr. Chaplin
was held in Yokohama.