Sumo wrestlers hold aloft screaming babies in a crying contest - with the children's parents watching on with delight. More than 100 sobbing tots took part in the centuries old ritual, which is believed by many to bring the infants good health. The bawling kiddies, all aged under-one were subjected to the ritual at the Yukigaya Hachiman shrine in Tokyo. Some Japanese parents believe that sumo wrestlers can help make babies cry out a wish to grow up stronger. The Sumo wrestlers bounce the babies up and down in a makeshift ring to make them cry. Many believe their screams reach God and they will then grow up healthy and robust. The ceremony dates back some 400 years and is held at shrines throughout the nation. The rules vary from city to city. In some areas the babies are raced against each other to see who will cry first, while in others the first crier is deemed the loser of the 'bout'.
