According to long-standing Japanese folklore, the crying of a baby possesses immense protective power. The stronger, louder, and more resonant the cry, the more effective it is in warding off bad luck and evil spirits, while also serving as a blessing for the baby to grow up healthy, peaceful, and safe.
The traditional Naki Sumo ceremony in Japan is where the cry of a baby is considered a welcome sign, signaling peace and good health.
Recently, this unique festival took place at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine in Kawagoe City. The atmosphere at the shrine was incredibly lively with the appearance of sumo wrestlers and families with young children. During the ceremony, the muscular sumo wrestlers carefully lifted each baby high into the air. At the same time, to test the babies' boldness and "force" them to cry, a person wearing a fierce demon mask slowly approached, using intimidating actions to make the babies scream. At the event in Kawagoe City, the organizers stipulated that only children aged 6 months to 2.5 years old were allowed to participate, with a strict limit of 120 children to ensure space and safety for the ceremony.
Despite witnessing their children sobbing, the parents appeared radiant and happy, believing their children had just received a blessing. Sharing her special experience, Mari Iino, the mother of one of the participants, smiled and said, "We came here to celebrate our child's 6th month birthday. The whole family is having a wonderful time."
In contrast to the children's sobbing, the parents were overjoyed, believing their child had just received a blessing.
In that joyful moment, Fumiaki Iino, the baby's father, humorously added: "Actually, it's the parents who are happy when the baby cries a lot... But seeing our child healthy, full of energy, and so adorable, I think the trip was completely worth it."
Not limited to Kawagoe City, the Naki Sumo tradition is still preserved and held at many shrines throughout Japan. Depending on the local culture, the methods used to provoke the children into crying, as well as the scale and format of the event, can vary significantly.
Source: https://htv.vn/le-hoi-naki-sumo-tai-nhat-ban-tieng-khoc-tre-tho-la-loi-cau-chuc-binh-an-222261002213900852.htm
