Strange crying baby contest held in Japan
IT is a sound that fills most parents with dread, but at the annual Naki Sumo – crying baby contest – in Japan, wailing and screeching is encourged.
The bizarre event, held for over 400 years, is based on the concept that a long cry is good for the health of babies.
Eager mothers bring the children to the event where Sumo wrestlers and high priests coax babies into a state of distress.
No physical pain is inflicted on the babies; the sumo wrestlers instead growl and scowl in order to get a wail.
Sumo wrestlers coax babies to cry at the annual Naki Sumo (crying baby contest) in Japan
If both babies cry, whichever wails loudest wins.
If neither of the babies cry – or even worse, laugh – the wrestlers don creepy-looking masks to encourage tears.
The event, which marks the high point of spring, is held each year at the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo.
Participating Japanese parents believe the Sumo-induced cries are beneficial.
As the babies are held high, so that their cries are closer to heaven and their mothers pray for their good health.
The 400-year old ritual is also believed to ward off evil spirits.