Kyoto Festivals in April

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Kyoto Festivals in April

***** Location: Kyoto
***** Season: April
***** Category: Observance

*****************************
Explanation

Annual Festival at Matsuo Shrine
松尾大社（まつおたいしゃ） (Reisai Matsuo Taisha, Matsu no O Shrine)
April 2
The deity of the shrine is known as a God of Japanese sake.
Visitors can enjoy a Kyogen performance by the Shigeyama Family and a Noh performance by the Kongo School.

Matsunoo omatsuri oide 松尾祭御出 まつのおまつりおいで
Come to the Matsunoo Festival

- - - - - - - - - -




Kangetsu Matsuri, kangetsumatsuri 観月祭
Moon Viewing Festival
On the Full Moon night in September or October

With a great performance of drums and other classical music and
an autumn moon viewing haiku meeting
観月　俳句大会.
The three gardens are lit up also.


. Matsuo Basho　松尾芭蕉 Haiku Poet


. Kangetsu 観月 Moon Viewing in Autumn



Details of the shrine
Matsunoo Taisha 松尾大社 Matsunoo Grand Shrine
Matsuno'o Taisha
Matsunoo Jinja 松尾神社 Matsunoo Shrine

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Other festivals in Kyoto in April


Go-o Taisai Festival
Apr 04
Go-o-jinja Shrine


Saga Dai Nenbutsu Kyogen
Apr 06
Seiryo-ji Temple


Shakuson Kotan Festival
Apr 08
Outdoor tea ceremony
Ryozan Kannon


. Hana Kuyo Festival - Apr 10 - Kurama-dera Temple 　



Cherry Blossom Festival
Apr 10
Hirano-jinja Shrine
Ketsugan ceremony April 24



Hoyoke-taisai
(Grand Festival for warding off misfortune associated with directions)
Apr 11
Ikebana flower arrangement display
Jonangu Shrine



Yasurai Festival
Apr 13
Straw hats are decorated with cherry blossoms and camellia flowers. Red small goblins play music and dance.
Imamiya-jinja Shrine, Genbu-jinja Shrine, Daijingu-sha Shrine



Taiko Hanami Gyoretsu Procession
Apr 13
in honor of Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Daigo-ji Temple



Kamo Kyokusui no En
Apr 13
Kamigamo-jinja Shrine



Jusan Mairi
Apr 13
People celebrate their children’s 13th birthday and pray that their adult lives will be healthy.
Kokuzo Horin-ji Temple



Flower Arrangement Festival
Apr 13
To commemorate the spirit of Emperor Saga.
Daikaku-ji Temple



Spring Reisai Festival
Apr 14
For the God of kemari kickball.
Shiramine-jinja Shrine



Chuyu Festival
Apr 15
Shrine Matsuo-taisha.



Spring Reisai Festival
Apr 17
to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Empress Jingu
Shrine Gokonomiya-jinja




Yoshida Festival
Apr 18
Yamato-mai special dance performance.
Yoshida-jinja Shrine



Gyokitai-e
Apr 18
To commemorate the spirit of the Buddhist saint, Honen.
Kaihaku Memorial Ceremony , Yoshimizu-ko , Hojo-kai
Chion-in Temple



Ominugui Ceremony
Apr 19
For honor the Shaka Nyorai, the Buddha.
Seiryo-ji Temple



Yoshino Tayu Memorial Hana Kuyo
Apr 20
Memoryal for the Buddhist monk Nikkan.
Josho-ji Temple



Shinko Festival
Apr 20
With 6 portabel mikoshi, across the Katsura river.
Matsuo-taisha Shrine



Inari Festival ＆Shinko Festival
Apr 20
Mikoshi procession to the Otabisho resting place.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine　



Mibu Kyogen
Apr 21
For Buddhist Saint Enkaku.
Mibu-dera Temple



Sho Mieige-ku
Apr 21
Memorial for Buddhist monk, Kukai Kobo Daishi.
To-ji Temple　



Honen Shonin Memorial Service
Apr 23
Memorial for Saint Honen.
Chion-ji Temple


Kisshoin Rokusai Nenbutsu
Apr 25
Kisshoin Tenmangu Shrine



Kyokusui no Utage
Apr 29
Jonan-gu Shrine



Rokusai Dance
Apr 29
Buddhist monk Kuya started the Rokusai Nenbutsu Dance.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine


.................................................................................

Kyoto festivals for each month are listed here

source : www.kyotoguide.com


*****************************
Worldwide use


Annual Festival at Matsuo Shrine
Dies ist das bedeutendste Festival des Schreins Matsuo Taisha.
Für den Gott der Braukunst werden Kyogen und Noh aufgeführt.


*****************************
Things found on the way


. Matsuo Jinja 松尾神社 in Ishikawa .
this shrine is not related to the poet Matsuo Basho　松尾芭蕉.
It is in the compound of Shrine Tada Jinja 多太神社.


Tofukuji Temple (toofukuji 東福寺)
and master gardener Shigemori Mirei 重森三玲


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

. hana no miyako 花の都 "capital of blossoms" .
- kigo from Kyoto -

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Hanakae Matsuri

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Flower Exchange Festival (hanakae matsuri)

***** Location: Kanegasaki Town, Tsuruga City
***** Season: Late Spring
***** Category: Observance

*****************************
Explanation

Flower-exchanging festival 花換祭 / 花換祭り
はなかえまつり / はなかへまつり
Fest zum Austausch von Kirschblütenzweigen

This festival takes place from the first to 15th of April at the town of Kanegasaki, in Tsuruga City 敦賀, Fukui Prefecture.
Shrine Kanesakiguu 金ヶ崎宮
金ヶ崎 花換え祭り

This shrine is famous as a location of the battle between Nitta Yoshisada and the army of the Ashikaga shogun in the Nambokucho period.

The stone stairs up to the shrine are 92 KU NI, meaning "to have no worries" and you have to run them up to get rid of your worries.

It is one of the great cherry blossom viewing points of the area, with more than 1000 somei yoshino cherry blossoms trees and a splendid view over the port of Tsuruga.
People come to enjoy the blossoms, eat some yakitori and sweet potatoes (for a sweet love life ) prepared by the "seinen kurabu" (now they are elderly men, but work hard to keep the little community alive).

You buy an artificial branch with cherry blossoms at the shrine office and are free to exchange it with anyone you fance, smiling and saying "Let us exchange flowers!" This is now a great spot for young lovers.


Young "luck-bringing girls" (fuku musume 福娘) sell the branches in the street too.


Another speciality are the
"Cherry blossom cookies",
sakura kukkii 桜クッキー



They are round cookies with one cherry blossom in the middle and only sold during the festival.


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Festivals where things are exchanged
by Mogi Sakae

usokae shinji , Bullfinch-exchanging rite.
A rite held during the night of January seventh at the shrine Dazaifu tenmangū in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka prefecture. Bullfinches (uso) made of wood are used as charms against fire. People take their bullfinches that are covered with the preceding year's grime to the Tenman shrine, and everyone exchanges bullfinches with anyone else freely, saying "kaemashō, kaemashō " ("Let's trade, let's trade"). During this excitement the shinshoku (shrine priests) lose themselves among the crowd of worshippers and walk about surreptitiously passing out the shrine's twelve bullfinches. Those who get one of the gold bullfinches are said to receive good fortune for the year.

The festival called onisube, famous for protection from fire, is observed after the bullfinch festival. Two groups of nearly one hundred people each are divided into the "demon guards" and the "smoke handlers." The latter light a huge mound of fresh pine piled up outside of the shrine hall with sacred fire (or by rubbing two sticks together), and fan the smoke into the shrine with an enormous fan. On the inside the demon guards beat the slat board walls with wooden mallets. Then, drawn by torches, the smoke-covered demons try to go around the shrine, but the shrine priests throw parched beans at them. People strike the demon masks that the performers wear with staffs called utsue. After going around the outside and inside of the shrine through the smoke and ash the demons come to a stop.
The usokae shinji at the shrine Kamadotenjinsha in Kōtō-ku, Tokyo is said to have been brought from Dazaifutenmangū.

On January fifth there is an usokae matsuri also at the shrine Meihamatenmangū in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka prefecture. Similar to the bullfinch rites is the hatokaeshi shinji (dove-exchanging rite) at the shrine Usajingu in Usa City, Ōita prefecture.

There is a tamakaeshi matsuri (gem-exchanging festival) on January twenty-first in which tama gems are traded at Miyajidake Jinja, Munakata-gun, Fukuoka prefecture.
In addition, there are festivals such as the okinjokaeshi matsuri in Hinagu, Ashikita-gun, Kumamoto prefecture, in which dolls are traded,
and the hanakae matsuri (flower-exchanging festival) at the shrine Kanezakigū in Tsuruga City, Fukui prefecture.
source : Mogi Sakae / eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp

. . . . .

Usokae うそ替え / 鷽替え exchanging carved bullfinches


. kiku kuyoo 菊供養 memorial ritual for chrysanthemums .
Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo
People by one chrysanthemums offered at stalls and persent it on the altar as an offering to the Kannon deity.
Then they take a flower which had been offered by someone else and take it home. This is their amulet for warding off evil influence in the coming year.


*****************************
Worldwide use


*****************************
Things found on the way

Other forms of "Cherry blossom cookies"
sakura kukkii 桜クッキー





CLICK for more English information







*****************************
HAIKU


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


*****************************
Related words

***** WASHOKU
Japanese Sweets Saijiki

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Hakata Dontaku Festival

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Dontaku Festival in Hakata

***** Location: Japan
***** Season: Late Spring
***** Category: Observance

*****************************
Explanation

Dontaku Festival どんたく

Dontaku music group, dontaku bayashi
どんたく囃子（どんたくばやし）

"Pine Music Group", matsu bayashi 松囃子（まつばやし）

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


This colorful festival takes place on May 3 and 4 in the city of Fukuoka in northern Kyushu. The festival evolved from matsubayashi, a folk art widely performed in Kyoto during the Muromachi period (1333-1568). It was performed by farmers and townspeople as a form of New Year's greetings to the local landowner or leader. People dressed up as the three gods of good fortune and paraded to musical accompaniment. The "gods" were followed by young children, who danced to a special chant called iitate.

The Hakata Dontaku elevated the traditional matsubayashi into a festive occasion, when people from all walks of life can meet and exchange greetings on an equal footing. Today, people from all over the country descend on Fukuoka for the festival, which coincides with Golden Week." It is one of the most popular destinations for vacationers during the holidays in western Japan.

In the Edo period (1603-1868), decorative floats and platforms showcasing dolls were added. The name of the festival was adopted around this time: it is believed to be derived from the Dutch word zondag (Sunday), which was taken to mean "holiday".

On May 3, a 1.2-kilometer stretch of a major thoroughfare is converted into "Dontaku Square," where a parade is held. Traditional matsubayashi is performed by over 12,000 people belonging to around 120 groups. Some of these groups use traditional Japanese instruments, while others perform the folk melody with brass instruments.

A parade is also held on May 4. In addition, 16,000 dancers, singers, and other performers are featured on specially built stages in the city of Fukuoka. Closing out the two-day festival are rousing renditions of the Dontaku dance that spectators are invited to join and a gala display of fireworks.
The festival attracts about 2 million people each year.
© web-japan.org



Hakata Dontaku / Reference




*****************************
Worldwide use


*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU

どんたくは はやしながらに あるくなり
Dontaku-wa hayashi-nagara-ni aruku-nari

Hashimoto Keiji 　橋本鶏二(1907～1990)

Beim Fest Dontaku
geht man ihm Beifall zurufend.
(übersetzt: SATOH Kihakusoh)


Dontaku Festival -
they perform their music
as they run along
Tr. Gabi Greve

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


*****************************
Related words




***** . Hakata Dolls with Daruma 　
博多土人形


::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Shimabara

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Shimabara Procession

***** Location: Kyoto
***** Season: Late Spring
***** Category: Humanity

*****************************
Explanation

Procession in the pleasure quarters of Kyoto

Shimabara no taiyuu no doochuu
島原の大夫の道中 (しまばらのたゆうのどうちゅう)
Shimabara taiyuu no doochuu 島原大夫の道中

On April 21.

Shimabara is the name of the famous geisha quarters in Kyoto.



Famous geisha in special dresses parade through the pleasure quarters of Shimabara. They are dressed in traditional robes for the occasion, with black brocade overcoats. They wear special wooden clocks with three steps on their bare feet.
They are accompanied by young girls, kamuro 禿 . The paper umbrellas held over their heads show the signs of their patrons.

The last person in the procession is the "final umbrella", kasadome dayuu 傘止太夫, a geisha of the highest rank.

Shimabara Dayu

*****************************
Worldwide use


Daruma and the Courtesans,
Onna Daruma, Oiran and Daruma
芸者,花魁とだるま、女だるま


*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU

我も亦太夫待つなる人のかげ
ware mo mata tayu matsu naru hito no kage

me too, just
waiting for the Tayu,
just one of the crowd

Takahama Kyoshi
yoshi5.web.infoseek.co.jp

Tr. Larry Bole
Translating Haiku Forum

The yoshiwara maintained a hierarchy and strict ceremonial code. Its rules of etiquette and its established rituals imbued the quarter with an aura of refinement, mystery, and anticipation. The women there lived both at the extremes of poverty and enormous wealth and were ranked according to their beauty, character, educational level and accomplishments.

A courtesan of the highest ranking was designated a tayu, and she was worthy of being a companion to a daimyo, and was in fact known as daimyo dogo, or "daimyo's goods". A tayu received the education of a great lady, with emphasis on her calligraphy, poetry, and grammar, and was given an elegant name and addressed by her maids in the formal language of deference established at the court. A tayu did not meet her clients in the "green houses" but was summoned to a client's residence by formal invitation, sometimes for a duration of up to a week.

Her transit to her assignation was a matter of public display, as she formally processed through the streets accompanied by maids, kamuro, and parasol bearers. In many respects, a tayu was a cult figure in the yoshiwara and was the supreme ideal of femininity. Skilled in calligraphy, accomplished at poetry and the tea ceremony, witty and self-confident but also soft and yielding, innocent but experienced, available and faithful, a tayu was peerless and priceless.

Lust was never associated with a tayu; therein lay her value and the challenge. The hereditary names of the most famous tayu in a "green house" were often drawn from classical literature or from the names of famous locales, and were passed down only to succeeding generations of courtesans worthy of the name.
©　www.artgallery.sbc.edu




*****************************
Related words

***** Miyako Odori .. "Dance of the Capital" in Kyoto

***** Kamogawa Odori .. Kamogawa Dance in Kyoto

***** Naniwa Odori ... Naniwa Dance in Osaka

***** Azuma Odori .. Azuma Dance, Tokyo Dance


::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Buddha Birthday

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Buddha's Birthday Celebrations
(Busshoo-e)

***** Location: Japan. Buddhist communities
***** Season: Late spring
***** Category: Observation

*****************************
Explanation

Busshoo-e 仏生会
Celebrated on April 8 in Japan
Kanbutsu-e 潅仏会 （かんぶつえ）、: Buddha's Birthday

There are many kigo related to this most important event for the Buddhist.
It is equivalent to the Christmas celebrations.

yuzuki yooka 卯月八日 eighth day of the fourth lunar month

Prince Siddhartha, Buddham Sharanam Gachhami, Gauthama, the Buddha. There are many names for him.

Siddhārtha Gautama, in Sanskrit, or Siddhattha Gotama, in Pali, was a spiritual teacher from ancient India and the founder of Buddhism.
He is generally recognized by Buddhists as the Supreme Buddha (Sammāsambuddha) of our age. The precise nature of such a supreme Buddha - whether "merely" human or a transcendental, immortal, god-transcending being - is differently construed in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !


Buddha, Shakyamuni, Shaka and Haiku 　
INDIA SAIJIKI　

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

basin to bath the buddha, yokubutsubann
浴仏盆（よくぶつぼん）


honorable birthday celebration, gootan-e
降誕会（ごうたんえ）
celebration to bath the Buddha, yokubutsu-e
浴仏会（よくぶつえ）
"dragon flower celebration" 竜華会（りゅうげえ）
"birthday Buddha", tanjoo butsu 誕生仏（たんじょうぶつ）


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

"high flowers", takabana 高花（たかばな）
"sky high flowers", tendoo bana 天道花（てんとうばな）
"flowers of the eighth day", yooka bana 八日花
pole with azaleas, sao tsutsuji 竿躑躅（さおつつじ）
"beginning of breaking flowers" hana ori hajime
花折始め（はなおりはじめ）

In many parts of Japan, especially in Shikoku and Western Japan, people break the first brances of azaleas and wisteria from the mountain forests and bind them on a large pole, to be set up in the temple or in their own garden.



:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Flower Festival, Hana matsuri 花祭 (はなまつり)
"flower hall", hana midoo 花御堂 (はなみどう)
"flower tower" hana no too 花の塔（はなのとう）
"flower house", katei 花亭（かてい）




:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


hydrangea tea, "sweet tea", amacha 甘茶 (あまちゃ)
"water with five scents", gokoosui 五香水（ごこうすい）
"water of five colors, goshiki no mizu
五色の水（ごしきのみず）
"birth bath water of Buddha" hotoke no ubuyu
仏の産湯（ほとけのうぶゆ）
Buddha and sweet tea, amacha butsu
甘茶仏（あまちゃぶつ）
temple who celebrates with sweet tea
amacha dera 甘茶寺（あまちゃでら）



"amacha" is the name for a wild mountain hydrangea.
In this ceremony, amacha represents the sweet rain that fell upon the earth when Buddha was born.
The sacred five colors of Buddhism are green, yellow, red, white and black.






©　Photo Gabi Greve, 2008
More about this statue of Shakyamuni


*****************************
Worldwide use




In many Buddhist countries of Asia, this ceremony is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, thus varying in date. Mostly it brings the beginning of the summer, so it can be seen as a kigo for summer.

Saga Dawa / Vesak / Buddha Purnima


*****************************
Things found on the way


. goshiki 五色　 "Five Colors" of Buddhism .


"Birthday Temple"
Temple Tanjo-Ji and Honen Shonin 法然上人


*****************************
HAIKU

卯月八日 死んで生まるる子は仏
uzuki yooka shinde umaruru ko wa hotoke

eighth day of the fourth lunar month -
dead and then born
the child is a Buddha

. Yosa Buson 与謝蕪村 in Edo .


. hotoke　仏 　a dead body .


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


wounded monk —
Buddham Sharanam Gachhami
his last prayer

Kumarendra Mallick, Hyderabad, India,


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


*****************************
Related words

***** Azalea (Japan) Tsutsuji, Satsuki, Rhododendron

***** Hydrangea (ajisai) Hortensia.

***** . Nehan-E 涅槃会 Nirvana Ceremony .
Early Spring (Feb. 15)

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

. Gokuraku　極楽　- The Buddhist Paradise .


[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

Tendo Cherry Blossoms

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO TOP . ]
. shoogi, shōgi 将棋 Shogi generals' chess .
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Tendo Cherry Blossom Festival

***** Location: Tendo Town, Yamagata pref.
***** Season: Late Spring
***** Category: Observance

*****************************
Explanation

Tendo Shogi , Tendoo Shoogi 天童将棋
Third Sunday in April

The town of Tendo is famous for its Japanese Chess, shogi (shoogi　将棋).

During the cherry blossom festival, the traditional Shogi contest is played at Maizuru park.






Tendo-shi shogi museum 天童市将棋資料館　
- see comments below
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Statue of Matsuo Basho at the village Tendo Mura


©　f32.aaa.livedoor.jp

quote
Basho didn't stop but passed through the town of Tendo when he visited Yamadera. Not overly famous then, Tendo today is known for its Japanese chess (shogi) pieces. The town produces 95 per cent of all pieces produced in Japan and many chess piece shaped monuments can be seen around the town.

The origin of the quest to dominate the shogi piece market dates back to the end of the Edo period when the then lord of the Tendo clan encouraged his lower ranked warriors to produce pieces on the side. Today, an event in which participants move just like each shogi pieces on a large board is held atop Mt. Maizuruyama every spring under the blooming cherry blossoms.
In Tendo, all is not shogi however as the local onsen is also rather famous nowadays. A relatively new hot spring source, it boasts an ample supply of water heated by mother earth.
©　www.att-japan.net



Tendo Onsen is a relatively new resort that was opened in 1911 and is surrounded by modern inns. The town is famous for its shogi (Japanese chess) pieces and many pentagonal shogi signs are displayed everywhere.
Read more
WKD: Matsuo Basho walking in Yamagata


WKD: Oku no Hosomichi 2007


*****************************
Worldwide use


*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU



*****************************
Related words

***** Go game, Igo 囲碁

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Miyako Dance

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Miyako Dance (Miyako Odori )

***** Location: Kyoto
***** Season: Late Spring
***** Category: Humanity

*****************************
Explanation



Miyako Odori 都踊 (みやこおどり, 都をどり)
April 1∼30
Dance of the Capital


Miyako, this is the
"Flowering Capital of Kyoto" 花の都 Hana no Miyako.


It started in the times of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the dances of Higashiyama.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

History

In 1871 Kyoto Governor Nobuatsu Hase and Vice Governor Masanao Makimura, in a direct response to the Meiji Restoration (1862-69) and the official shift of the Court of Emperor Meiji from Kyoto to Edo (now Tokyo), planned Japan's first Exposition in Kyoto (no longer the "Imperial City") to counter the perceived loss of status as well as to showcase the Art, Culture and Industry still alive and thriving in the City.

Subsequently, Jirouemon Geiko Sugiura, Gions' Representative and owner of "Mantei" (still in existence today as "Ichiriki", then and now a popular "Private" House for Kyoto's Geiko and Maiko performances) received a request from the Prefectural Government to stage the 1st "Public" Dance performance by the nationally famous Geiko and Maiko. In collaboration with Yachiyo Inouye the III (the Master of the Kyomai Dance School), Mr. Sugiura conceived a tightly choreographed and highly stylized group performance of the "Kamenoko Odori" dance from Ise Furuichi.

In March of 1872 the "Miyako Odori Junicho", proposed by Vice Governor Makimura as an extension of the popular "Kamenoko Odori", was performed for the first time with a full chorus and traditional Japanese Orchestra in a grand, classically beautiful house named "Matsunoya" located in Gion. This Performance (affectionately referred to as the "Gion Kobu Dance") was the prototype of the "Miyako Odori" that continues to the present day.

Immediately following the triumph of the "Matsunoya" performance all parties involved swore an oath declaring that the "Gion Kobu Dance" must remain the exclusive domain of Inoue the III's Kyomai School and this solemn promise is honored to this day. In April of 1873 the "Miyako Odori" moved permanently to the more spacious confines of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater. The originality, authenticity, beauty, quality and dignity of the "Miyako Odori" is now entrusted to the current Master of Kyomai Dance, Yachiyo Inouye the V and takes place each Spring in Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater.



© www.miyako-odori.jp
都をどり｜祇園甲部歌舞会


*****************************
Worldwide use


*****************************
Things found on the way

Miyako Odori

a BLOG with information and many photos about the good old times

source : miyako-odori.blogspot.com


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　




"long" bridge over the Kamo River 京師 Keishi
(a place where a lot of people walk)

Ando Hiroshige 1797-1858 安藤広重


This is the last of the 53 stations of the Tokaido.
This is the Sanjo Ohashi 三条大橋, which had been built as a stone bridge by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Here in the woodblock it is featured as a wooden bridge.
This gives doubt weather Hiroshige was acutally here to sketch the scene from real life or weather he painted from heresay and sketches of someone else.



*****************************
HAIKU

手真似して話は都おどりかな
temane shite hanashi wa miyako odori kana

imitating the movements ...
and talking all the time
about the Miyako Dance
Tr. Gabi Greve

© Haiku of the Blind



*****************************
Related words

Kamogawa Dance, Kamogawa Odori
鴨川踊 (かもがわおどり)
鴨川踊り
Kamo River Dance （加茂川)



This dance is performed by the maiko and geiko of Ponto-cho 先斗町（ぽんとちょう） Hanamachi in Kyoto.
From the first of May to the 14th.
It began in 1872 as a part of the Kyoto Exposition. Later it was established as an annual event. This refined stage performance enjoys a wide range of fans.

More Reference !


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

***** Azuma Odori .. Azuma Dance, Tokyo Dance

***** Miyako Odori .. "Dance of the Capital" in Kyoto

***** Kamogawa Odori .. Kamogawa Dance in Kyoto

***** Shimabara Odori .. Shimabara Dance, Kyoto

***** Naniwa Odori ... Naniwa Dance in Osaka


"Flowering Capital of Kyoto" 花の都 Hana no Miyako.


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

Naniwa Dance

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Naniwa Dance (Naniwa odori 浪花踊)

***** Location: Osaka
***** Season: Late Spring
***** Category: Humanity

*****************************
Explanation



Geisha, or geiko as they are referred to in Osaka (Naniwa) and Kyoto, are entertainers specializing in music, dance, tea ceremony, and conversation.
There are four entertainment districts in Osaka where geiko (geisha) work:

Shinmachi
Horie

Kitashinchi
Famous for its nightclubs, bars and late night restaurants, many business executives can be seen entertaining clients here. This district has 15 geiko, the largest number of the Osaka districts.

Nanchi
(also know as Minami Shinchi or just Minami) Also famous for its nightlife, many of the establishments attract a younger crowd. This district only has one teahouse, the Tanigawa Teahouse. It has six geiko. The geiko Naozuru, Fukuzuru, and Kotsuru are the three most recent additions to their numbers.


Odori or Public Performances
The geiko of Osaka are known for their "herahera odori" or dances that feature acrobatic stunts such as handstands.

Ashibe Dance, Ashibe odori 芦辺踊 (あしべおどり)
Public dance of Nanchi (Minami) geisha district. These dances began in 1888 and is performed annually for one month beginning April first.


Naniwa Odori 浪花踊
The public dance of Shinmachi geisha district. These dances began in 1908. And like the Ahibe Odori are performed annually for one month beginning April first.

Konohana Odori The public dances of the Horie geisha district. These dances are performed annually for one month beginning March 15.

Osaka Odori
This is the common name used now for the geisha dances in Osaka.

©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



Geisha in Winter Costume
1890s by Blue Ruin


*****************************
Worldwide use


*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU

浪花おどり見つつはあれど旅疲れ
Naniwa odori mitsutsu wa aredo tabi tsukare

I keep watching
the Naniwa dance but
I am tired from the travel
Tr. Gabi Greve


Tomiyasu Fusei　富安風性 (Tomiyasu Fuusei)



*****************************
Related words

***** Shimabara no taiyuu no doochuu　。。島原の大夫の道中　
Shimabara Geisha Procession (Kyoto)

***** Azuma Odori .. Azuma Dance, Tokyo Dance

***** Miyako Odori .. "Dance of the Capital" in Kyoto

***** Kamogawa Odori .. Kamogawa Dance in Kyoto

***** Shimabara Odori .. Shimabara Dance, Kyoto

***** Naniwa Odori ... Naniwa Dance in Osaka


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

Azuma Dance

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Azuma Dance (Azuma odori)

***** Location: Tokyo
***** Season: Late spring
***** Category: Observance

*****************************
Explanation

Azuma Dance, (Tokyo Dance) Azuma odori
東踊 (あずまおどり) / 東をどり

some saijiki quote it as a kigo for summer




Azuma is an old name for the area in the Kanto plain, including Tokyo.
The geisha of the Shinbashi area performed this spring dance.
It dates back to 1857, when a new road had been constructed to connect this area with the Ginza and many geisha houses started to be built there. It soon became a place of international mingling and dancing.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Adzuma Tokuya tells us

Thank you for visiting our official "Japanese Traditional Dance" (Adzuma-Ryu　吾妻流) home page.

About 200 years ago, Edo-Sanza (Nakamura-Za, Ichimura-Za, Morita-Za), the official Kabuki theater in the Edo era flourished. Adzuma Tozo, a choreographer of Ichimura-Za started Adzuma-Ryu as a direct descendent. The name of Adzuma Tozo　吾妻東蔵　 was inherited from the first to the third, and thereafter Adzuma-Ryu ceased for a period of time.

In the beginning of the Showa era, my grandmother, Fujima Harue　藤間春枝, the daughter of the dominant kabuki actor, Ichimura Hazaemon 15th, succeeded to the 4th head and revived Adzuma-Ryu. The 4th head Fujima Harue then changed her name to Adzuma Harue and then again changed it to Adzuma Tokuho　徳穂. She used her influence to elevate the status of Adzuma-Ryu before the World War II.

....

Through Adzuma-Ryu we, ourselves enjoy observing traditional things and focus our efforts on harmonizing things traditonal with things modern.

We hope you will become familiar with Japanese Traditional Dance through this site.

©　www.adzuma.com





:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


The following is a direct except from the Azuma Odori programme from Autumn 1951, from the private collection of Naomi Graham-Diaz, ImmortalGeisha.com.

1.“Imayo Kokaji”Sanjo Kokaji (Swordsmith)
This dance was first put on the stage in 1852. the idea of this dance was taken from one of the old no plays connecting with the Japanese Story in which Sanjo Munechika, a swordsmith, with the help of the divine Inari Fox spirit, forged a fine sword called Ogitsune-Maru (Little-fox).

2. “Korin Byobu”
(Paper screen with a picture painted by Korin)

and many more


© www.immortalgeisha.com



Blacksmith and Divine Fox
Ogata Gekko (1859-1920)

. kajiya　鍛冶屋 kajishi　鍛冶師　 blacksmith .

*****************************
Worldwide use


*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU

教師に一夜東をどりの椅子紅し
kyooshi ni ichiya Azuma odori no isu benishi

Nomura Toshiro 能村登四郎

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


this Azuma Dancer ...
she throws a quick kiss
at her patron

Gabi Greve, May 2008


*****************************
Related words

***** Miyako Odori .. "Dance of the Capital" in Kyoto

***** Kamogawa Odori .. Kamogawa Dance in Kyoto

***** Naniwa Odori ... Naniwa Dance in Osaka

***** Shimabara Odori .. Shimabara Dance, Kyoto

***** Azuma Odori .. Azuma Dance, Tokyo Dance



. azumagiku 東菊 "Azuma chrysanthemum" .
..... azumagiku 吾妻菊（あずまぎく）
Gymnaster savatieri


- #azumadance -
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Irrigation Ceremony (minakuchi matsuri)

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Field Irrigation Ceremony (minakuchi matsuri)

***** Location: Japan
***** Season: Late Spring
***** Category: Observance

*****************************
Explanation

A festival of letting the first water of the year into the fields. Farmers pray for a rich harvest to the God of the Fields (ta no kami).
At the entrance of the waterway ("water mouth" minaguchi) into the field, the earth is first heaved into a mound, which is decoraded with poles or bamboo sticks and flowers of the season. Sometimes even paper-dolls are added.
Most farming families do this on their own fields in a family tradition, but some of these ceremonies are performed at the local shrines, see below.




Irrigation Ceremony, minakuchi matsuri
水口祭り (みなくちまつり)
Ceremony of the rice plant nursery
苗代祭（なわしろまつり）
..... mito matsuri みと祭（みとまつり）, naejiroshi 苗じるし（なえじるし）、

"rice seedlings pole" 苗棒（なえぼう）、naejaku 苗尺（なえじゃく）, naemidake 苗みだけ（なえみだけ）, tananboo たなん棒（たなんぼう）
A pole planted in the empty field of the seeldings, representing the God of the Rice Plants and Fields.

Seat for the God of the Fields, ta no kami no koshikake
田の神の腰掛（たのかみのこしかけ）

rice seedlings festival, tane matsuri 種祭（たねまつり）
mizoguchi mizuguchi mizukuchi
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



Minakuchi Festival
at the Minakuchi Shrine in Minakuchi Town, Shiga pref.




*****************************
Worldwide use


*****************************
Things found on the way

Minakuchi Matsuri in Oda City
by Mogi Sakae

On July 19 and 20, a rice-field planting festival and an irrigation festival occur at Mononobe Shrine (Mononobe jinja) in Ōda city, Shimane prefecture. After the ceremonies, horses decorated with sacred batons are led before the Ceremonial Hall (haiden). They are then led through the Ceremonial Hall where they act out field preparation work. This is called going to the sacred rice fields (mi-toshiro-kayo). There are then rice planting rites at the five related eastern shrines (massha). Irises (shōbu) representing rice seedlings are offered before the deities and rice grains are scattered.

After the chanting of ritual prayers (norito), there is a procession of musicians and shrine officials (shinshoku) and girls in the role of rice-planting maidens with their hair down wearing flower-umbrella hats and riding on the shoulders of others. The irises are thrown as the procession walks along. The worshippers scramble for the irises and then thrust them into their irrigation ditches for protection against pestilence. Formerly, local parishioners (ujiko) undertook strict fasts (monoimi).
©　Kokugakuin University . Encyclopedia of Shinto

This festival would be a kigo for summer.

*****************************
HAIKU

絹糸の雨に水口まつりけり
kinuito-no ame-ni minakuchi matsuri-keri 　

OHMINE Akira 大峯あきら(1929～)

Beim Regen wie der Seidenfaden
feiert man den Wasserlauf des Reisfeldes.

(übersetzt: SATOH Kihakusoh)

Ein Fest des Reisfelds; am Eingang des Wassers betet man die gute Reisernte.


rain like silk threads
as the irrigation festival
is celebrated now
Tr. Gabi Greve

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::




Water entrance way (behind the white pipe) of the irrigation system in the terraced rice fields of my valley
Spring 2008 in Ohaga, Japan

Gabi Greve


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Here is a scene from the water irrigation entrance
at harvest time:


yoosha-naku minakuchi kitte otoshi-mizu

I ruthlessly shut
the weir for rice field
and drain the field's water

©　Watanabe Harumine, 2006

* Before harvesting, small weirs are shut not to supply water to the rice field anymore. And the water that had filled the rice fields is drained from there.


*****************************
Related words

***** God of the Rice Paddies (ta no kami) Japan

***** Fields, rice paddies (ta, hatake) Japan


. Japan - Shrines and Temples .


[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

Yoshiwara Cherry Blossoms

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Yoshiwara Night Cherry Blossom viewing
(Yoshiwara no yozakura)

***** Location: Edo, Japan
***** Season: Late Spring
***** Category: Observance

*****************************
Explanation

Viewing Cherry Blossoms at Night in Yoshiwara
Yoshiwara no Yozakura 吉原の夜桜 (よしわらのよざくら)

In the Edo period, from the first day of March going on for 30 days, the courtesans were allowed to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night. (Some sources say, from the first of April.)
The roads were flanked with lanterns on bamboo poles and small tea shops were set up.
This custom is said to have started in 1749.



It became so famous that even a Kabuki play (Kago Tsurube Sato no Eizame (yoizame) 籠釣瓶花街酔醒 ) was modelled after this event.



Yoshiwara / Wikipedia


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



Kuniyoshi, c. 1845
Yoshiwara no Yozakura

©　Curtesy of Japanese Prints

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳)
More in the WIKIPEDIA !


*****************************
Worldwide use


*****************************
Things found on the way


Courtesans of Yoshiwara and Daruma



吉原のある日露けきとんぼかな　　
Yoshiwara no aru hi tsuyukeki tonbo kana

in Yoshiwara
all wet with dew
a dragonfly

WKD
Kubota Mantaroo 久保田万太郎


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



最後の吉原芸者四代目みな子姐さん-吉原最後の証言記録
Diary of Minako, the last Geisha in Yoshiwara


*****************************
HAIKU

吉原の夜桜のなかを通ひけり
Yoshiwara no yozakura no naka o toorikeri

I walk along
the Night Cherry Blossoms
of Yoshiwara

野村喜舟 Nomura Kishuu
Tr. Gabi Greve


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


*****************************
Related words

***** Kabuki and Kyogen

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Saidaiji Festivals

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO TOP . ]
. Saidai-Ji Temple Legends .
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Saidaiji Eyo Naked Festival

***** Location: Okayama, Japan
***** Season: New Year
***** Category: Observance

There are many temples called
"Great temple in the west" Saidaiji 西大寺 Saidai-Ji.

Here we have kigo for two of them.


*****************************
Explanation

"NAKED MAN FESTIVAL"
Eyoo 会陽 "EYO Ceremony",
..... Saidaiji Mairi 西大寺参, shingi 神木, hadaka oshi 裸押し,
shuusei-e 修正会
Saidaiji Hadaka Matsuri 西大寺裸祭り
eyou festival
Third Saturday of February



CLICK for more photos


EYO, EYOO is the name for this ceremony, which started at the temple Saidai-Ji in Okayama and is now common for many ceremonies of this kind in Okayama prefecture and parts of Shikoku.
Eyo was celebrated at the last day of the lunar New Year, when all rituals are finished (kechigan gyooji 結願行事). It is also held at Shinto shrines.
People get a talisman paper, Goo-U 牛玉〔ごおう〕, also simply called "Talisman Go", o-funa go オフナゴ.

This later transformed into the wooden "shingi".
The root of the word EYO is believed the shouting of the men, ee-yoo, ee-yoo エエヨウ、エエヨウ.
This festival is already mentioned in scripts of 1795. The spelling then was "会養".


Temple Saidai-ji, Kannon Hall 観音院


© PHOTO : Pegasus

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

In the Eisho era(1504-1521) priests at the temple distributed an amulet, which gained a reputation for being highly effective. People poured into the temple, and the priests tossed the amulets into the crowd to meet the swollen demand. This is supposedly the origin of the festival. Later the paper amulet became a pair of wooden sticks. Originally they were called shingi (sacred sticks), written with two characters meaning true and wood, and considered as sticks of gods. Today it is still called shingi, but the first character has changed to the one that means treasure.

Now
In early years the lunar calendar determined the date of the festival. Today, due to the growth of tourism the date is fixed on the third Saturday in February. Other events that accompany the festival are held accordingly.

The Boy's Hadaka Matsuri begins first at 6:00 p.m. First and Second grade boys scramble for mochi (soft rice cakes), Third and forth grade boys for Gofukuzutsu (octagonal treasure tube). Then, Fifth and sixth grade boys struggle for Takarazutsu (treasure tube).

On the banks of the Yoshii river, Eyo Winter Fireworks are displayed against the winter sky starting at 9:00 p.m. Meanwhile the thundering sounds of an all women's taiko (Japanese drums) group echo through the temple grounds.

Around 11:00 p.m. men wearing only the traditional fundoshi loincloth start to gather at the temple. As instructed by a guide they must first purify their bodies with water, run around the temple grounds and visit the statues of two deities - SenjuKannon and Go'ousho Daigongen 牛玉（ごおう）. Then they push one another into the grounds. They cool their heated bodies again in the cold water and repeat the same routine.

Up to ten thousand participants cluster on the ground by midnight, and when all the lights are turned off a priest throws the sacred sticks from a window into the melee. The fierce struggle in the dark is the climax of the festival. The men who successfully clutch the sticks are the lucky men of the yearー their happiness is promised for the whole year.

Some men creep between the legs of their rivals. Shrewd participants perform clever, premeditated teamwork. Excessively fierce actions can cause injuries, but even this can be viewed as another charm of the Hadaka Matsuri.
source :　www.city.okayama.okayama.jp

Japanese reference
List of Temples which celebrate EYO ceremonies


*****************************
HAIKU

naked festival -
the little boy shivers
in his father's arms

Gabi Greve, 1998, Temple Saidai-Ji, Okayama

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Temple Saidai-Ji in Nara
西大寺　光明殿 （奈良市西大寺芝町）

observance kigo for late spring




Saidaiji Oochamori, oo-cha mori
西大寺大茶盛 (さいだいじおおちゃもり)
serving big cups of green tea at temple Saidai-Ji
..... oochamori 大茶盛（おおちゃもり) "big teacup"

Powdered green tea served in an oversized bowl of more than 30 cm diameter. People must help each other to drink from this huge bowl.

Second saturday and sunday of April

The temple was established in 765 in the capital.
This ritual tea drinking goes back to the Kamakura period. The priest Eizon 叡尊 had a wish fulfilled, which he had made on the New Year. He was greatful and performed a tea ceremony, sharing with all the others in a large tea bowl.
(Monks were not allowed to drink alcohol, otherwise he might have served ricewine.)
The name is taken from serving large portions of ricewine, sakamori, changed to chamori.

This ceremony is especially liked by the ladies of Nara.

The ceremony is also held on the second sunday of October.

.................................................................................

observance kigo for late autumn

Koomyoo Shingon-E 光明真言会
Ceremony of the Komyo Mantra
October 3 - 5




In honor of Dainichi Nyorai


The Mantra of Light (光明真言, kōmyō shingon),
also called the Mantra of the Unfailing Rope Snare,
is an important mantra of the Shingon and Kegon sects of Buddhism, but is not emphasized in other Vajrayana sects of Buddhism. It is taken from the Amoghapāśakalparāja-sūtra (Chinese translation Taisho ed. no. 1092) or Sutra of the Mantra of the Unfailing Rope Snare of the Buddha Vairocana's Great Baptism and is chanted as follows:

On abokya beiroshanō makabodara mani
handoma jimbara harabaritaya un

Praise be to the flawless, all-pervasive illumination
of the great mudra [or seal of the Buddha ].
Turn over to me the jewel, lotus, and radiant light.

Initially, the mantra received little mention in East Asian Buddhist texts, and although Kukai brought the sutra to Japan in the 9th century, there are no records that he ever utilized it in tantric practices.
Records show gradually increasing use in the Heian Period, until the 13th century when it was popularized in medieval Japanese Buddhism by Myōe (Myoe), and later by Shingon monks Eison and Ninshō in their ministries.

Both the Mantra and the nembutsu were often incorporated by medieval Buddhists at one time or another, often in the same service. A common practice for the Mantra of Light was to sprinkle pure sand, blessed with this mantra, on the body of a deceased person or their tomb, based on teachings expounded in the Sutra. The belief was that a person who had accumulated much bad karma, and possible rebirth in Hell would be immediately freed and allowed a favorable rebirth into the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha.
This practice is known as dosha-kaji (土砂加持) in Japanese.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !

光明真言土砂加持法会


observance kigo for mid-spring

. Dosha Kaji Hoo-E 土砂加持法会
memorial service to prevent natural disasters .



source : 仏像研究会 facebook

. Fudō Myō-ō 不動明王 Fudo Myo-O
- Acala Vidyârâja - Vidyaraja .

*****************************
HAIKU

初釜や二の腕強き大茶盛
hatsugama ya ni no ude tsuyoki oochamori

first use of the kettle -
my upper arms are strong
to hold the big teacup

anonymous
source : www.gendaihaiku.gr.jp




hatsugama,
the first use of the kettle to boil water for the first tea ceremony of the New Year.

***** . Tea Ceremony Saijiki .
茶道の歳時記

*****************************
Related words

***** . Tea Ceremony Saijiki .
茶道の歳時記

***** Naked Festivals (hadaka matsuri)


. Saidai-Ji Temple Legends .
[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::