New Britain herald., 1924-01-26
Tokio Scene of Greatest Celebration In Many Years Despite Sorrow Following Disastrous Earthquake.
Complicated Rites of Cere- monial Take Hours to Perform - Formal An nouncement to Come Later.

B, rhs Associated Press.
 Tokio. Jan. 26.-In the sacred pre- cincts of the Imperial Panace and in accordance with the ancient marriage ritual antedating the Christian era, Prince Regent Hirohito was welded this morning to Princess Nagako, eldest daughter of Prince Kuni.
 Residents of Tokio indulged in joyous celebration of the event, the first public expression of joy since the disaster of last September. Great crowds gathered in the streets, which were gaily decorated for the occasion, and thronged the open spaces. in the vicinity of the palace for glimpse of the royal couple.
 The wedding was celebrated with shinto rites. and was an announce ment of the event to the imperial spirits which are enshrined in the kashlki-Dokoro, or holy of holies, in front of which the pair took their vows. The spirits of 122 royal pre- deeessors witnessed the union and gave their blessings, according to de- sont Japanese belief. The royal couple exchanged bowls of sacred rice
 
 ancient custom.
 TWO Hours Approaching shrine
 Previously. as in the case Of access sion to the throne, the party. includ. ing members of the royal family and officials Of the household. assembled and for two hours went through slow movement toward the shrine, every step of which, including the sounding of the clappers. was accord. ing 10 the imperial wedding law.
 No foreigners witnessed the eere. pony only the members of the royal family and the highest disnitaries of the empire betng permitted to attend the rites.
 The, garb Of the regent was ihe simple dress suit of the Japanese gem tieman for such occasions, except that the upper cloak was red with shade Of yellow running through it. the patterns embroidered on if represent. ing mandarin ducks. The Hakana, or loose trousers, were Of white silk with patterns of butterflies, while the obi or belt. was of black leather decorated with carved stones.
 Costume of Bride.
 The brides costume was far more elaborate. The chief garment, or karaginu was a dazzling kimono of scarlet and purple silk, with the chrysanthemum crest in white em- broidered on it. The mo, or skirt, was another piece of artistic weay- ing. being of white silk handsomely embroidered. The uwagi. or. outer dress. was of purple silk decorated with designs of pine trees and tor toises. symbols of long life, a long rope, known to Japan as the uchiginu, and the itsutsuginu, or fifth dress, were of rich silk, handsomely em- broldered.
 In the case of the prince the haka- ma, which formed train, were of pure silk. wood on which appeared paintings of flowers Of all colors The fan was so carried that the bride might give and receive with it. as 1t Is not permitted 10 touch sacred things with ones own hands. Accompanying the regent were the seeptre and crown. The shrine itself was decorated with offerings of fruit and chrysanthemums.
 The ceremony was comparatively simple. being comparable to q civil wedding in Christian countries. ac- cording 10 Japanese students. The of i ficial public celebration had been postponed until later in the year ow- | ing to the country's mourning. The public ceremonial will include a great . banqust attended by court officials ! and diplomats.
 The object of the banquet HiIi be f to make official announcement 10 the i people and to foreign powers of the fact tbat the heir to the throne has ] been welded
 tirseted By Crowds
 Tremendous crowds greeted the prince and his bride as they passed to and from the palace before and after the ceremony. flags were fiown from many buildings. even the refugee bar racks in the public parks being gaiiy decorated. Many Of the spectators climbed upon great piles of debris Jeff by the earthquake and fire in septem- Der 10 catch sight of the wedding pro- cassion. Elaborate precautions Hers taken to guard against any uHtoward incl dent Ten thousand police and sol diers lined the routes taken bx The bride and bridegroom. sfo apprearh- ed Inc palace hy separate thorough fares. The crowds were well mar shsled and orderly. however. and inc prince regents progress pss marked by rolling waves 0f "Banzai4' fba Japanese greeting The cataiea5e Of the prince regent to the paiace was dazzling spectacle. q A mounted contingent of the imperial . l,odygusFd escorted inc procession. their brilliant red and gold uniforms adding bright color to the scene. it
 ta,a.tLtintled nn Tnelfth paact