symbolic compositions. Of one of these Mr. Conder speaks thus:—
“At wedding feasts a double arrangement in a pair of similar standing vases is employed. For this purpose a branch of the male Pine is placed in one vessel, and a branch of the female Pine in the other. The general form of each design would be similar, but the branch of the female Pine facing the opposite vase should stretch a little beneath the corresponding branch of the male Pine. These together are called the ‘Destiny-uniting’ branches, and the complete design is said to typify eternal union.”
These same male and female Pines stand guard at all the gates at the New Year; the sharp and stubbly Thunbergii on the left, which is the side of honour in Japan, representing the man, and the graceful P. densiflora taking the woman’s lesser place.
And so it goes on; and when all is arranged, and the chosen bloom or branch is set out in the sacred niche, a charming ceremonial of admiration is gone through. It is almost a kind of worship of beauty. The adorer falls on his knees in front of the raised alcove, and bows his head to the ground, his palms pressed flat on the straw matting in front of him. Three times he does this; each time he lifts his head, drawing a deep sighing breath of contentment as his
