New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1928-11-10
JAPANESE ruler
ASCENpS throne
Continued from First Page)

sCeuQeu, was unrOlleQ. IQere were
symbols aplenty of the sun goddess,
who is held to have ruled the high
plain Of heaven before this mum
dane order took form; in the sword
and jewel OF the imperial regalia
were reproduced relics OF a pre-
historic japan. from which the en-
pire emerged with the accension of
Jimmu Tenno which the official his
tories place 2,5SS years ago. Album,
dant survivals Of the centuries,
more than thousand years ago.
through which the influence OF the
still more ancient culture of China
dominated japanese thought and
manners. appeared in the architec-
ture OF the throne hall itself and In
the ritual.
Old Costumes
In the costumes of the chief actors
were pictured the luxury and re-
flnement of the court Of medieval
kyoto. In the bows and arrows
and corselettes of the guards be-
fore the throne room there lived
again the staggering warriors Of
feudal. Shogun-ruled Japan. they Of
the inflexible Samurai code which
preferred death to disloyalty or dis
grace. The modern age was pictur-
ed in the 1928 toilettes Of the ladies
of the diplomatic corps and the dip
lomatic uniforms or full evening
dress OF their escorts.
Another Ceremony
Ancient as was the ritual here
performed. it is not the oldest extant
japanese enforcement ceremony.
That remains to be performed in the
chill, dark watches Of the night of
November 14-15, when the EN- peror
must go through the awful observ-
ance Of the Daijo-Sai. or great
Thanksgiving. which dates back to
the very beginnings of kingship and
priesthood.
The spectacle took place In the
throne hall. called Shishinden. or
purple mysterious hail." in the
southern section of the imperial
palace park.
When the climactic point was
reached the emperor and his consort,
Nagako, were seated on their cano-
pied thrones in the center OF the
hall, with the princes and princesses
Of the blood-25 in number-ranged
before them. flanked by the minister
Of the imperial household, the grand
master of ceremonies and other
high officials of the court.
Hall Visible
The throne hall, open to the south,
was visible with all it contained
from the broad forecourt where the
majority of participants and spec
tators had their places. On the
three sides facing the Shishin-den
the forecourt was enclosed by rich
ly curtained corridors in which. and
In temporary pavilions adjoining,
the invited guests had their stations.
Down the center OF the court ran the
most colorful part Of the spectacle,
two rows of brilliant silken banners
enclosing a rectangle in which were
ranged the guards in medieval cos
tune with drums, gongs and pennon-
capped spears.
Guards Take Stand
Soon after midday guards took
their stand at the gate Of the en-
closure, and guests and actors be-
gan to move to their allotted places.
All was worked out carefully weeks
in advance, and the stage was fully
set at $3.50 p. m. Thereafter the
ritual moved smoothly and impress
sively to its climax. The thrice re-
peated booming OF the gongs and
drums announced the beginning and
the highns st participants went to
their ST tons within the hall.
A warning cry by masters OF cere-
mony told OF the approach Of the
emperor. who entered upon his
throne dais from the north. the cur
tains on the front. or southern side.
of the throne. remaining undrawn.
The empress followed to her
throne. After she had taken her
place the curtains Of the two thrones
we're drawn back. those of the EN-
peror by two chamberlains. Two
court ladies performed the same Of
flee for the empress. Their majes-
ties we're disclosed to the assem-.
blage seated on their chairs Of black
lacquer and mother Of pearl. At
either head Of the emperor were
rich black lacquered stands. On one
Of these rested the sacred sword.
and on the other the sacred jewel.
Holds Baton
The emperor rose. holding his
baton of office before him. The en-
press also rose under her canopy.
flourishIng her ceremonial fan Of
cedar wood. All present made obei-
sance to their monarchs. The en-
peror. still standing, read his imper-
ial rescript, announcing his Access
sion.
Hirohito's slender figure was vo-
iuminously swathed in ancient cere-
monial roses. Of brilliant orange, the
color Of the rising sun. Empress Ma
gako was clad in the "karacinu"
and 'Itsut- Suginu." which have con-
stituted the female ceremonial Co.'S
tune from the middle ages. Kara
GNU il comparatively short
tuic with chorter sleeves than
the modern kimono. The Itsitsiginu
is five fold kimono with each Of
its five fold visible at the :leeves
and hem of the skirt This costume
was Of the finest silk damask. with
something like a train, called
MO" The princesses Of the blood
were dressed much like her majesty.
Great variety was presented in the
costumes Of the higher officials TAX
ing part. Military and civilian Off
Gals were distinguishable by the diff