[18] Fudo: a terrible-looking Buddhist idol who was thought to have the power to subdue all evil spirits.
[19] For good luck.
[20] So that she might be ordained as a priestess and insured a good reception in the next world, only done when the sick person is in great danger.
[21] This was contrary to etiquette and shows the extreme excitement of the moment. Ladies and gentlemen of the court remained in separate rooms on social occasions.
[22] Kurodo = secretary (in charge of court manuscripts).
[23] Everybody was still wearing white, colour of purification.
[24] See frontispiece.
[25] Every Japanese family does this to-day, for almost all gardens have artificial brooks or ponds.
[26] Imperial shrine at Isé: the oldest shrine, built 5 B.C., dedicated to the Heaven Shining Goddess, ancestor of the Imperial family. This shrine is rebuilt every twenty years on the same model. It is the most sacred spot in Japan, and all serious events pertaining to the Empire or Imperial Household are announced there to the Goddess-Ancestor by Imperial Messenger.
[27] Nusa: rolls of silk or paper offered by a worshipper.