ABSTRACT
The custom of adopting boys and girls, and even adults, into Japanese families is widespread, and has been practised for centuries, as the discontinuance of a family is regarded as a great disgrace. A cotton-like fibre obtained from the small, dried leaves of this plant, common in Japan. It is a custom to burn mogusa on the human body in order to increase the circulation of the blood. The Daimonji of Kyoto are especially noted—the picture showing one of the largest as seen from the Sanjo bridge. Special prayers are offered during these pilgrimages: for more skill in their calling, for the cure of a sick relative. With few exceptions, in addition to the rates quoted at Japanese inns, the custom of giving a sum of money, known as chadai. Japanese etiquette requires that in presenting a tip, the money shall be wrapped in white paper or placed in a Shugi-bukuro, a special envelope made for that purpose.
