But Lance and Cup (or Vase) were in truth connected together in a symbolic relation long ages before the institution of Christianity, or the birth of Celtic tradition. They are sex symbols of immemorial antiquity and world-wide diffusion, the Lance, or Spear, representing the Male, the Cup, or Vase, the Female, reproductive energy.[12] Found in juxtaposition, the Spear upright in the Vase, as in the _Bleheris_ and _Balin_ (both, be it noted, _Gawain_) forms, their signification is admitted by all familiar with ‘Life’ symbolism, and they are absolutely in place as forming part of a ritual dealing with the processes of life and reproductive vitality.[13] A most remarkable and significant use of these symbols is found in the ceremonies of the Samurai, the noble warrior caste of Japan. The aspirant was (I am told still is) admitted into the caste at the age of fourteen, when he was given over to the care of a guardian at least fifteen years his senior, to whom he took an oath of obedience, which was sworn upon the Spear. He remained celibate during the period covered by the oath. When the Samurai was held to have attained the degree of responsibility which would fit him for the full duties of a citizen, a second solemn ceremony was held, at which he was released from his previous vows, and presented with the Cup; he was henceforth free to marry, but intercourse with women previous to this ceremony was at one time punishable with death.[14] That Lance and Cup are, _outside_ the Grail story, ‘Life’ symbols, and have been such from time immemorial, is a fact; why, then should they not retain that character _inside_ the framework of that story? An acceptance of this interpretation will not only be in harmony with the general _mise-en-scène_, but it will also explain finally and satisfactorily, (_a_) the dominant position frequently assigned to the Lance; (_b_) the fact that, while the Lance is borne in procession by a youth, the Grail is carried by a maiden—the sex of the bearer corresponds with the symbol borne.[15] But Lance and Cup, though the most prominent of the Symbols, do not always appear alone, but are associated with other objects, the significance of which is not always apparent. Thus the Dish, which is sometimes the form assumed by the Grail itself, at other times appears as a _tailléor_, or carving platter of silver, carried in the same procession as the Grail; or there may be two small _tailléors;_ finally, a Sword appears in varying _rôles_ in the story.