Ancient rites for Japan's royal newborn

Proud parents: Japan's royals are keen followers of tradition

TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) -- Japan's newest royal, a girl born to Crown Princess Masako on Saturday, got her first taste of the life of ritual and official duties that lie ahead when the emperor presented the infant with a ceremonial samurai sword.

Below is a list of some of the main ceremonies that lie ahead.

DAY OF BIRTH:

The emperor presents the baby with a ceremonial samurai sword made by one of Japan's most famous swordsmiths.

As a girl, she also gets a hakama, a ceremonial skirt that was once part of traditional court dress for women.

SEVENTH DAY:

The baby is ritually bathed in a cedar tub by a courtier while auspicious texts, written in classic Chinese literary style and wishing the baby good health and fortune, are read aloud and other courtiers pluck wooden bows to ward off evil spirits.

On the same day, a courtier goes to the Crown Prince's palace and informs him what name has been chosen for the baby by the Emperor, whose duty it is to choose the names for his eldest son's children. The baby's birth and name are then formally announced at three Shinto shrines on the imperial palace grounds.

Finally, the baby's name and title are announced to the Imperial Household Agency, which manages the royal family's affairs.

EIGHTH OR NINTH DAY:

The baby's name is registered on the rolls of the imperial family.

AROUND 50TH DAY:

The baby is formally presented at each of the three shrines on the palace grounds. A similar rite is performed by ordinary families, who take their baby, wrapped in bright ceremonial clothing, to the local shrine to present it to the gods, a ritual thought to bring blessings.

FOURTH MONTH:

The baby is presented with a ceremonial meal and chopsticks for the first time, in a rite meant to symbolize that it is being weaned and is ready to eat solid food.