The traditional ritual is performed in shrines and temples throughout Japan and attracts large numbers of spectators.
TOKYO, JAPAN/AFP – Dozens of children with tears streaming down their faces face off in a traditional Japanese ritual called Sumo do Chorowhich is believed to bring good health to children and which is back for the first time after a four-year pandemic.
Accompanied by their parents, the children donned the traditional ceremonial apron of sumo wrestlers and competed at Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple.
The winner is the one who starts crying first.
To encourage them, employees walk around them, wearing “oni” demon masks, with the aim of scaring them.
“We can know a baby’s health by hearing how it cries,” Hisae Watanabe, mother of an eight-month-old boy, told AFP. “Today she may be nervous and not cry much, but I want to hear her cry healthy.”
“Crying Sumo” is performed in shrines and temples throughout Japan and attracts large audiences.
Shigemi Fuji, president of the Asakusa Tourism Federation and organizer of the event, admits that some people may find it scary to make babies cry on purpose. “But in Japan we believe that babies who cry loudly also grow up healthy,” she said.
A total of 64 children took part in the ritual, the organizer said.
However, the rules vary from region to region: in some places, parents expect the child to cry first, in others, the loser is the first to cry.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
