Saito Takauji Laurel Ceremony
Researched and Written by Saito Takauji
Introduction and Notes:
This ceremony is what I tend to think of as a “hybrid” ceremony—a ceremony which is not perfectly period because a ceremony of this type would not exist, but which is filled with period elements to the point where it is culturally plausible as such.
Many Japanese rank elevations were, to my research, rather informal affairs. A daimyo receiving an increase in fiefdom would have it recorded on “gray paper”—the order would literally be written on the back of a recycled document. Efficient, but somewhat lacking in grandeur.
As such, this elevation combines a number of other elements. It takes some elements from a coming of age ceremony called genpuku, in which an older member of the society would escort a younger member as they exchanged the robes and gear of childhood for that of adulthood. These elements seemed appropriate for an elevation to the SCA peerage. It also borrows from the oath of fealty which would be sworn by a Daimyo, including the kishomon blood oath—where a landed lord would swear on his own blood to be loyal to his superior, or suffer the wrath of various named gods and divine forces. It also draws on the idea of a court of judgment, where a retainer’s worth is judged and they are punished or rewarded.
Content Warnings and Notices:
This ceremony references blood, ritual violence, and self-harm/suicide. They are done in a cultural context appropriate for a 16th century Samurai, and are not beyond what one would find discussed in an episode of Shogun (and with no visual representations). But please be aware.
This ceremony also breaks Calontir tradition in three significant ways. First is in the fealty. Japanese fealty was not, in ideal circumstances, seen as a two-way street—it was very one sided. Due to this, there would not have been a response oath sworn by the feudal superior. As such, the King and Queen are not swearing any oath to me; they are merely noting that they have received my oath.
Also note that while I am reading the oath as well, I am giving them a written version that is sealed with my bloody thumbprint. They have been told in advance, and the copy which is being given to them has already been framed.
The second is in being presented a sword by the Crown. The Laurel is not, traditionally, an armed peerage; but the Samurai were a military aristocracy. To be given a sword by a superior, is a big deal; and here it is specifically my sword being returned to me as a sign of worthiness. To not intrude on the realm of the Order of Chivalry, the sword is actually my wakizashi or short sword—which became at the very end of period (and largely post-period) the symbol of the caste. It is also not being bestowed in a similar way to the Chivalry, but being returned to me and I am putting it in my belt myself.
The third change is an addition. In the Outlands it is a tradition that the medallion placed upon a peer is passed from hand to hand by the Order until it is placed upon the new peer. Both their Majesties and I wanted to have this be a part of the ceremony here.
Note from the Ceremony as Performed:
There were three parts of the ceremony as it actually happened that were not in the script. They were the presentation of a sword to my herald, Hugo’s introduction, and Grimwulf’s presentation.
The first was planned. Lord Cory has been my brother in arms for 20 years, my writing partner for a decade, and my herald for both my Baronial investiture and now my elevation. I told him I had a sword he could borrow for the elevation, with the intent of giving it to him as a gift. It was not included in the script so that it would be a surprise in the moment. When I presented it to him I asked him to bear it in honor and to use it to serve as my kaishakunin if the need arose. A kaishakunin is a second to a Samurai who is committing seppuku, and is expected to remove the head to either end the suffering of the death or if the person committing seppuku looks like they are about to cry out in pain and dishonor themselves. Asking someone to serve in this role is a considerable honor, and a testament to one’s faith in their sword skills.
Hugo’s introduction was unscripted, and referenced the historical Dutch East India trading company. There is a historical connection between the Dutch and Japan during the Sengoku Jidai, or the period of the country at war. Dutch traders offered an alternative to Catholic Portuguese and Spanish traders who often wanted to offer guns and goods only with conversion to Catholicism. The Dutch, on the other hands, did not care about the religion of the purchasers nearly as much.
Grimwulf’s presentation was of his outstandingly made tessen, or iron fan. These could take the shap of an actual paper or silk fan with metal spokes, or a solid club designed to look like a normal fan folded up. His wording in his presentation was entirely his own, and the work is truly exceptional. He posted about the process creating it on his Facebook page.
Terms/Definitions:
Tenno and Chugu: Emperor and Empress
Han: Fiefdom (used here to mean Barony).
Chushinchi: lit. ‘Heartland’. Calontir.
O-Hata: Mag Mor (literally “great plains” in both languages).
Four Guardians: A group of deities appearing in multiple East Asian pantheons, guardians of each of the cardinal directions. In Japan they are Seiryu (East), Suzaku (South), Byakko (West), and Genbu (North).
Four Heavenly Kings: A group of four Buddhist deities, similar to the above in that they appear across pantheons and each represent (among other things) a direction. In Japan they are Bishamon, Zocho, Jikoku, and Komoku. They are seen as guardians of virtue.
Sources:
Mark Ravina, Land and Lordship in Early Modern Japan, Stanford University Press.
Japan Experience, Shitenno, the Four Heavenly Kings of Buddhism, February 2, 2024. https://www.japan-experience.com/plan-your-trip/to-know/understanding-japan/shitenno.
William Beleck, Seijin no Hi: Coming of Age for Japan’s Youth, Nakamoto Forestry (January 6, 2023).
Anthony Bryant and JL Badgley, A Japanese Miscellany, SengokuDaimyo.com.
Dramatis Personae:
| KING (TENNO): | Robert Magnus |
| QUEEN (CHUGU): | Magge Magnus |
| PEERS: | Titus Claudius Severus and Nikolaos Demetriou ho Toxhotes |
| ROYAL HERALD: | TBD |
| ROYAL GUARD: | TBD |
| BOON BEGGER: | Gyda Glora |
| UJI’S PERSONAL HERALD: | Robert Cory McPherson |
| LAUREL SPEAKER | Hugo van Harlo |
| CHIVALRY SPEAKER | Felix Sniumi |
| PELICAN SPEAKER | Maren Thorskapitr |
| DEFENSE SPEAKER | Donald MacDonald |
| ROYAL PEER SPEAKER | Volkmar Katzbalger and Isadora of Orangewood |
| POPULACE SPEAKER: | Catlin Marie de Moretaine |
| ROBE GIVER: | Catlin Marie de Moretaine |
| MEDALLION GIVER: | Gyda Glora |
| HAT/WREATH GIVER: | Helene Boudain and Gabriella Rizzo |
Script:
Court is opened, with one guard with weapon drawn standing at the edge of court, where the processional will advance to.
HERALD: Their Imperial Majesties, the Son and Daughter of Heaven, Master and Mistress of the Hills and Plains of the Kingdom of Chushinchi, call before them the enlightened and noble Order of the Laurel, who seek wisdom in the expression of pen on paper and thread on silk. They also invite in all who will have business before the Court and speak for candidates. And as a further sign of favor to this august order, their Majesties grant members of all rank the right to sit without division or precedence before the throne.
The Order of the Laurel (along with the speakers for the ceremony who are not in Uji’s processional) gathers and seats themselves, leaving an aisle for the processional. The guard admits them unchallenged. Gyda remains standing.
The Order of the Laurel begins circulating the medallion.
HERALD: Your Majesties, Gyda Glora, a peer and courtier of the junior fourth rank, would address the throne with business of your Order.
KING: Inform her that she may address the throne.
HERALD: Gyda Glora, you may address the throne and speak for your order.
Gyda bows.
GYDA: Your Majesties. At the beginning of time, when light first shone in all ten directions, and the world was created, beauty and perfection were first seen. Our Order was charged to seek beauty and perfection in the world, and to propose those who reflect those ideals for admission. We have sought the wisdom of heaven, and would now have you admit one into our ranks to share these labors.
QUEEN: Is it the one of whom we spoke before, approved by our blessed predecessors?
GYDA: It is.
KING: Then call him forward. His way is not yet assured, and the journey he must make will be long. But it must begin, and he must be judged.
QUEEN: And be warned—for judgment may go either way. Life and death have little distance between them, and none but the heavens know how justice will fall.
KING: Herald, call the Lord of O-hata before the throne.
ROYAL HERALD: The Son and Daughter of Heaven demand the presence of Saito Takauji, courtier of the Senior Fifth Rank, and by Imperial favor O-hata-no-kami.
The shrine maidens process first with their clackers to drive away evil spirits. Once they are done, the processional begins. Emma Underfoot enters with one of Uji’s banners, followed by Cory as herald. Next are guards. In the middle are Uji and Lelia, and the non-armed retainers. Then more guards, and finally the last banner bearers.
As they process, Cory heralds.
CORY: Born in the stag mountains, exalted among the western waves, and landed among the Falcon, comes Takauji. Daimyo of the Han of O-hata; recognized for art, and service, and battle across the laurel kingdoms. The cherry blossom lord of the Falcon’s western reach, summoned in honor to kneel before the throne.
GUARD: Who dares come before the Son and Daughter of Heaven with such clamor and pride?
UJI: Saito Takauji, Daimyo of the han of O-Hata, called before the Falcon Throne to be elevated or commanded to end his service.
GUARD: Do you believe yourself worthy of joining the nobles in this court?
UJI: I do not; but I am summoned, nonetheless.
GUARD: Only one was summoned. He may bring his Baroness, as is fitting for one to be judged; the rest cannot remain.
Once the processional reaches court, it pauses. Uji advances up to speak to his retainers. He speaks to his herald, and dismisses them with heart felt words.
GUARD: You have been in fealty to the throne and trusted in your role; but now you must be judged. Will you surrender your wakizashi to approach the throne?
UJI: I will surrender it to those who have the right to call upon it, either to be returned to me in honor or used to restore the honor of my failure.
GUARD: Advance, and be judged.
Takauji and Lelia advance with any of the speakers who are in his processional. They advance to the edge of the royal presence and bow. Takauji removes his wakizashi and hands it to the Crown.
Gyda approaches. Gyda removes the tabard and accessories from Uji.
GYDA: Takauji-sama, you stand before the Son and Daughter of Heaven to be judged for your worthiness. I, and others, stand ready to vouch for your worth; but it is only on your merit you will be admitted. Are you willing to stand apart from those who have been your teachers and be judged alone?
UJI: I am.
GYDA: Then speak your final words as squire, protégé, and apprentice.
Takauji turns. Titus and Nikolaos approach.
TITUS: It was my belt that you were first, and we were proud of your presence. Though you may no longer wear my belt, you will always be a part of our house; for luminous beings we are, and our light will always shine brighter together.
Titus speaks other words as appropriate.
NIKOLAOS: It was in our house you first found a home in the Society, although you didn’t take my belt until later. Though you may no longer wear my “belt”, you will always be a part of our house; for together we have stood between the candle and the star, and such bonds are forever.
Nikolaos speaks other words as appropriate.
UJI: My oaths were never of fealty, only of service and friendship. I have nothing then to be released from; only to acknowledge that we were never bound by words, but by hearts in search of truth together. I will take a little part of each of you with me and bring it to my students in the future; and a part of me will remain with you, as one who learned at your feet. I am no longer your student, but your peer; everything has changed. I am your friend, and you are mine; nothing has changed.
Uji speaks other words as appropriate, and then returns to Gyda.
GYDA: We all journey through different stages of knowledge. You have stepped into the river a novice, and now must emerge a teacher—helping others to find their wisdom even as you seek higher knowledge yourself. You must hear wisdom from those further on the path, deeper in the river, before you can proceed. I first ask Sir Felix Sniumi to speak for the bushi, who seek wisdom in the blade.
FELIX: I speak for the steel wielders, the first founded of the realm. The sword is our tool, but never our master, for the lesson of our Order is that of the sheath as well—the knowledge of when to strike, and when to spare. But you know well this lesson, for you have served in war and peace, and we judge you worthy to advance.
Sir Felix speaks other words as appropriate.
GYDA: I now ask Mistress Maren Thorskapitr to speak for the karo, the officials and advisors.
MAREN: The meaning of your class is ‘those who serve’. More than war, or art, those who would be samurai must take service into their heart; and even embrace the lesson of our emblem with a final service to those who must be served. But you know well this lesson, for we have seen your blood and sweat, and we judge you worthy to advance.
Maren speaks other words as appropriate.
GYDA: I now ask Master Donald MacDonald to speak for those who defend.
DONALD: The beauty of the sword is not only in advancing in war, but in guarding the castle as well. None can become a peer who do not know the value of defending that which must be well guarded, for this is the lesson of our Order. But we have seen your service to Defence, and we judge you worthy to advance.
Donald speaks other words as appropriate.
GYDA: I now ask Master Hugo van Harlo, to speak for those who seek wisdom in beauty.
HUGO: Ours is the Order you seek to join, and the one whose lesson you must have shown the most competence with. When founded, we were that order which held all those things which were not war; and then all those which were not war or service. In many forms, in many ways, have we sought to teach and learn. Mastery of our Order can be expressed in one, or many—for it is the pursuit of perfection that is itself our lesson. But we have seen your pursuit of perfection, and judge it incomplete—as it must be, in this fleeting world—but sufficient to rank among us.
Hugo speaks other words as appropriate.
GYDA: I now ask Graf Volkmar and Countess Isadora to speak for throne, for those who have served most closely to the Son and Daughter of Heaven.
VOLKMAR/ISADORA: None serve greater than those who sit closest to the throne. The duty weighs heavily, and the knife edge of failure or success rests most keenly. A peer must be one who helps to carry this burden, rather than one who increases it. But we have seen your service to those closest to heaven, and we judge you worthy to advance.
Volkmar and Isadora speak other words as appropriate.
GYDA: And finally, I ask Her Ladyship Catlin Marie de Moretaine to speak for the populace.
CATLIN: All service in the Kingdom must ultimately be to the good of the people. For beneath all the honors and titles lies the work of the people, keeping the Dream and the Kingdom alive with their labor. No one should be made the highest among us without remembering the least. But we have seen how you treat your equals and those not ranked as highly as you, and we judge you worthy to advance.
GYDA: Your Majesties, you have heard the words of your peers, servants of the Kingdom and the Falcon. They deem Takauji worthy of continued service and elevation to our Order, and await your judgment.
KING: Takauji, you have been given wisdom by those who would be your peers. We will consider the words of our counselors, but now you must answer for yourself. Before now you have stood associated with others, a subject but not a peer. Will you set aside the robes of a craftsman and take those of a master artisan, with none to stand before you should you fail?
QUEEN: Do not answer lightly. Better to never advance and remain in your current station, than to accept this honor and fail. Steel may erase your dishonor, but nothing erases the memory of those who let this Kingdom down. Do you wish to proceed, knowing the weight that will rest on your shoulders?
UJI: I do.
KING: Then the time to withdraw has passed. Kneel, and take upon yourself the oath of your new station, for we too find you worthy of advancement.
Uji kneels.
KING: View the honors of this world as a dream, a cloud, a flash of lightning in a summer cloud—and seek true wisdom instead.[1]
The King places his scepter on Uji’s shoulder.
KING: May your skills be ever increased in service to Crown and Kingdom.
QUEEN: Seek a mind like water, capable of flowing through all things and sent wherever one wants to send it.[2]
The Queen places her scepter on Uji’s shoulder.
QUEEN: May your gentle demeanor serve always as an example of courtesy to all who would observe you.
King and Queen cross their scepters on Uji’s head.
CROWN (Together): And may your spirit ever follow the goals your heart sets before you.
KING: What separates an office from a mere distinction is a duty. Without duty, and an oath to live by the ideals of your order, there would be no weight to this honor. None may administer our lands or sit as our peer without it. Will you swear?
UJI: I have sworn the oath in writing, and sealed it with my blood. I will swear it again, and let none doubt my sincerity.
On my honor and by my blood I swear fealty to the Son and Daughter of Heaven, and the Kingdom of Chushinchi. I swear to obey all laws of the Kingdom, and to defend and uphold it and the Crown; to support the ideals, laws, and customs of our Society; to keep my house from wickedness; to serve loyally unto death my lord and lady; to serve with diligence and fulfill all obligations they place upon me; to champion justice and foster knowledge; and to strive ever to be worthy of the enlightened Order I have been appointed to. And should I fail in this oath or desert my station, may I be scourged by the kami of my house and of every province of the Kingdom, and by the four guardians, and by the four kings of heaven. So swear I, Saito Takauji.
QUEEN: We receive this Oath in accordance with all laws and customs of Our Kingdom.
KING: It is virtue and honor that ennoble a peer, but none may appear in court improperly attired. Is there a coat?
CAT: There is, Tenno-sama. This is the symbol of your office, the same as a priest’s robes. But like all garments, it is also to keep you warm when the winter grows cold; and a reminder to remember the blessings you have been given, and share your blessings with others as a peer.
Cat speaks other words as appropriate.
Lelia assists Uji in putting on the robe.
QUEEN: One of the signs of adulthood is the presentation of a court cap; and as rank increases, so does this symbol. Is there a cap appropriate for this order?
HELENE/GABBIE: There is, Chugu-sama. This is a symbol of rank, and an emblem of your order. Upon it are the ancient leaves under which you will seek—and share—enlightenment. In some cultures it was a sign of victory, and of sacrifice. In ours let it be a reminder of both your progress, and your duty.
They speak other words as appropriate.
Her Majesty places the hat on Uji.
KING: And is there a medallion, that he may be known according to his rank no matter his clothing?
GYDA: There is, your Majesty. This Medallion has been touched by every member here, and was made by those at whose feet you studied as apprentice. Remember it is by this symbol we are known and may be found by those in need; never seek to hide your membership in our Order when someone may have need, or you will have failed the duty you swore to uphold.
Gyda speaks other words as appropriate.
His Majesty places the medallion on Uji.
KING: Takauji, we now give you back your sword as the final symbol of your rank. Bear it, and all these symbols, with honor; but never forget the weight of duty now resting on you. But know your whole Order will help you bear it, and those who saw fit to accompany you to this honor.
His Majesty returns the wakizashi to Uji.
QUEEN: Calontir, your newest Laurel! Herald, read the scroll.
[1] Adapted from the Diamond Sutra.
[2] Adapted from Takuan Soho, a Zen Buddhist philosopher, calligrapher, and inventor of a pickled radish dish.