Showing posts with label Fukuoka. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fukuoka. Show all posts

1/15/2012

Tamakae exchanging balls

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Ritual of exchanging balls (tamakae shinji)

***** Location: Fukuoka
***** Season: New Year
***** Category: Observance


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Explanation

tamakae matsuri, tamakae sai 玉替祭 (たまかえまつり)
festival of exchanging balls

tamakae shinji 玉替神事(たまかえしんじ)
ritual of exchanging balls



At the shrine Koora Taisha 高良大社 Kora Taisha
in Kurume, Fukuoka. 久留米福岡




In modern times, people may also buy a lucky lot (o-mikuji 御籖)
to test their good luck for the new year.

You can see the gold and silver auspicious tama balls, the famous
. kanju manju 干珠満珠 tide jewels .

- quote -
Kora Taisha Shrine
is a prestigious, and the largest shrine in the region as the first shrine in Chikugo 筑後. It is an Engishiki-nai Myojin Taisha (a shrine dedicated to specific gods under the Engishiki Code), and one of the former second-ranked, larger shrines.
Its dedicated god, Kora Tamatare no Mikoto, is said to have been bestowed the highest rank by the Imperial Court. Its sanctuary was built in 400 A.D. (First Year of Emperor Richu) for the first time while older ritual sites remain in a mountain.
Kora Taisha Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyushu, and used to be honored as a mausoleum of Kyushu. It is especially deeply worshiped by people in the Chikugo and Hizen Areas. Worshipers are famously thought to be blessed with warding off bad luck and prolonging life. The current sanctuary is designated as a significant cultural asset by the government, and is one of the largest sanctuaries in Kyushu.
- source : crossroadfukuoka.jp -

. Legends from Chikugo 筑後 .

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quote
The Tamakae shinji (Ball-exchanging ritual)
takes place on the evening of January 15 at Kōra Taisha in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The ritual occurs with the presentation of a golden ball and a silver ball as well as offerings (shinsen) before the kami (shinzen).

At eleven o'clock a person carrying the two balls is placed in the completely darkened keidai (shrine grounds), and the worshippers exchange wooden balls with one another in the dark. After about an hour the lights are turned back on; the persons holding the gold and silver ball serves in an offering and thanksgiving ritual (hōsai) on the following morning.
The two balls are regarded as the two balls that control tidal ebb and flow.

A Tamakae shinji is also held at Miyajidake Jinja in Tsuyazaki Town, Munakata County, Fukuoka Prefecture, on January 21.
Similar rituals are also the
Tamatorisai (Ball-taking ritual) held at Itsukushima Jinja in Miyajima Town, Saeki County, Hiroshima Prefecture, and another
Tamatorisai held on April 16 at Kamato Jinja in Daizaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
source : Mogi Sakae, Kokugakuin, 2006

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Shrine Kora Taisha 高良大社(こうらたいしゃ)

高良玉垂命神社、高良玉垂宮
- - - - - HP of the Shrine - Kōra taisha 1 Miimachi, Kurume, Fukuoka
- source : kourataisya.or.jp -



Look for more photos :
source : robounohan

The shrine is also famous for the azalea festifal in May.
Koorazan tsutsuji matsuri 高良山つつじ祭り

The shrine was built in the 5th century.
Rebuilding took place in 1600, and now it is an
"Important Cultural Asset".

quote
At a height of 312 meters (1,024 feet), Mt. Kora stands on the westernmost edge of the Mino Mountain Range. On this mountain you will find Kora Taisha Shrine, a former National Shrine and a major shrine in the Chikugo region.

The construction of Kora Shrine is said to have taken place in 400 AD; it was ordained one of the highest ranking shrines in 897 AD and had an elevated rank within the Engishiki (a book of laws and regulations) as a shrine dedicated to gods worshipped at critical times.

Kora Taisha is a historical shrine in that its power of influence during the middle ages came to compete with that of central government officials sent to oversee the province. It is also known for being the place that received the prayers of Prince Kanenaga Shinno, who established a residence at the base of the mountain in the Nanboku-cho Period (1336 – 1392).

The main sanctuary, offering hall and worship hall that we see today were built by the third Kurume feudal lord Arima Yoritoshi, and each is has been deemed an Important Cultural Asset by the government.

In addition, Kora Shrine is the home to
“The Tale of the Heike Ink Volume” (Government Designated Important Cultural Asset),
“The Origins of Kora Taisha Shrine Colored Silk Hanging Scrolls” (Municipal Designated Cultural Asset), and other such treasures.
A forest of a moso bamboo species (a designated National Natural Treasure), Kogoishi Rock (Government Designated Important Cultural Asset and Historical Site), and other precious sites are also preserved on Mt. Kora.
source : www.kurume-hotomeki.jp


quote
“Kora-san Kunchi” Festival
Kora Taisha Shrine’s “Kora-san Kunchi” Festival
is held from October 9 through 12 every year.

It is the shrine’s biggest festival that proclaims the presence of the Shinto god Kora. During this three day festival, Kora Taisha Shrine comes alive with traditional cultural events like the Lion Dance and Furyu (a musical and dance performing art), Japanese archery exhibitions, and dedicatory performances of various martial arts!
. . . . . and
Kora Taisha Shrine’s Kawatarisai Festival (Hekokaki Matsuri Festival)
Azalea Festival at Kora Taisha Shrine
Annual Festival at Ichiebisusha Shrine
Kora Taisha Shrine’s “Kangetsusai” Festival
Kurume Forest Azalea Park..
source : www.kurume-hotomeki.jp


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Warding off evil at the New Year ceremonies


Azalea Park Photos
source : kourasan/tsutsuji



Amulet to WIN 勝 - with bow and arrow

Homepage of the Shrine
source : www.kourataisya.or.jp


. Amulets and Talismans from Japan . 


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Worldwide use


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Things found on the way


Exchanging auspicious things as kigo


. hanakae 花換祭 / 花換祭り Flower-exchanging festival .

. usokae うそ替え exchanging bullfinches .


quote
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


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HAIKU


男にも柔きてのひら玉替祭 
otoko ni mo yawaraki te no hira tamakae sai

men also have
a soft palm of the hand -
festival of exchanging balls


Yanagida Mei 柳田芽衣



玉替の闇を掴みし祭りの手                 
三枝青雲

玉替の六玉の熱し闇の中                 
長谷川ヱミ

欲捨てて玉替祭の玉を待つ                  
上田桜

誠より嘘の楽しみ玉替える                
松田ひろむ

source : kamomeza


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Related words

***** . NEW YEAR - the complete SAIJIKI

***** . Hekokaki Festival へこかき祭り.
高良大社 Kora Taisha, Fukuoka


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12/06/2011

Fukuoka prefecture

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. Regional Festivals - From Hokkaido to Okinawa .

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Fukuoka Prefecture - 福岡県

located on Kyūshū Kyushu Island.
The capital is the city of Fukuoka.

Fukuoka Prefecture includes the former provinces of Chikugo, Chikuzen, and Buzen.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !

. Dolls from Hakata 博多人形 .


. Fukuoka - Entries of this BLOG .

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. Dazaifu Tenmangu Festivals 大宰府の天満宮 .
Sugawara Michizane 菅原道真


Fuuji Hachimangu 風治八幡宮 Fuji Hachimangu - Kawawatari
. 川渡り神幸祭 Shrine River Crossing Festival .
May


. Hakata Dontaku Festival どんたく .


. Hakata Gion Festival 博多の祗園祭 .
with many Yamakasa 山笠 festival floats


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External LINKS :

Autumn Grand Festival (Kashii Shrine) Fukuoka
Asian Pacific Festival (Asian Month) Fukuoka
Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament Fukuoka
Nakasu Festival Fukuoka

Tamaseseri Festival Fukuoka
The festival named Tamaseseri Festival is celebrated in the 3rd day of the month of January and the venue is Hakozaki Shrine located in the Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City.

- www.asiarooms.com -


- Reference -

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Related words





. Regional Folk Toys from Japan - GANGU . 

. Regional Dishes from Japan - WASHOKU .


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1/03/2010

Hachiman Shrines Festivals

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Hachiman Shrines and their festivals

***** Location: Japan
***** Season: Variuos, see below
***** Category: Observance


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Explanation

The Warrior Deity Hachiman 八幡神, deifiction of Emperor Oojin 応神天皇 Ojin,
is quite popular in Japan and there are many shrines in his name. Another reading of the Chinese characters is YAHATA or YAWATA.


僧形八幡神坐像 東大寺八幡殿蔵
Hachiman as a monk, soogyoo Hachiman
Temple Todai-Ji, Hachiman Hall


Today there are approximately 30,000 Hachimangū shrines nationwide, with the head shrine at
Usa Hachimangū 宇佐八幡宮 Usa Hachimangu in Ōita.

Read the details HERE
. Hachiman and the Hachimangu Shrines  
Mark Schumacher



The oldest Hachiman Shrine in Japan
. Konda Hachimanguu 誉田八幡宮 / 譽田八幡宮 Konda Hachiman . Habikino, Osaka 大阪府羽曳野市誉田三丁目2-8

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I lived close to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura and practised archery (kyudo) in the training hall there for many years.
The annual Yabusame horseback riding and shooting was one of the most impressive events I have seen in Japan.




The dove (hato) in the shrine name board as hachi 八 .
The dove is the messenger of Emperor Ojin.
There are many doves kept in the shrine compound.


. hato 鳩 dove, pidgeon, Taube - in art and amulet .


. Legends about Hachiman Shrines 八幡宮 / 八幡神社 .


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Usa Hachimangu, Oita 宇佐八幡宮

quote
The faith of Hachiman began at Usa Hachimangū and the location of this shrine and five other Hachiman shrines (gosho betsugū) in the Kyūshū area (the five shrines are Chikuzen's Daibu Hachiman, Hizen's Chiriku Hachiman, Higo's Fujisaki Hachiman, Satsuma's Nitta Jinja, and Ōsumi's Shō Hachimangū) show that the faith developed in the Kyushu area in ancient times.

When the temple Tōdaiji's Great Buddha was constructed in the Nara period, the "shrine priestess" (negini) of Usa, Ōga no Ason Morime, traveled to the capital and received a "message" (takusen) from Hachiman saying that the kami would assist in the sculpture's construction, thus introducing the cult of Hachiman to the center of Japan. Being located close to the continent, Hachimangū was at the forefront for receiving cultural influences from there and because of this, "kami and Buddha syncretism" (shinbutsu shūgū) developed there quite early.

Temples related to Hachiman existed in the Hakuhō Period and these were consolidated into the "shrine temple complex" (jingūji) Miroku Temple, which was established in 725. The journey of Hachiman to the capital and the oracle (takusen) accelerated the tide of shinbutsu shūgō syncretism in the central regions. In 781 the imperial court awarded the kami the "kami title" (shingō) "Daibosatsu" (Gokoku reigen iriki jintsū daibosatsu) and images of Hachiman were produced depicting him as a monk. From this, we can see that compared to other shrines, the cult of Hachiman had particularly strong shinbutsu shūgō syncretic qualities. Thus there are many examples of Hachiman shrines "established" (kanjō) as the guardian shrines (chinjusha) of such temples as Daianji, Tōdaiji, Yakushiji, and Tōji.
Likewise, the Hōjō-e festival at Hachimangū originates from a Buddhist ritual of releasing living animals that is based on Buddhist prohibitions against killing.

In 720 there was an uprising of the Hayato people from the regions of Ōsumi and Hyūga and many Hayato people were killed during its suppression. It is said that Usa-Hachiman was established in order to expiate the sins of killing incurred during this suppression. This story is told at Hachiman shrines in various regions. In the late Nara Period, Wake no Kiyomaro received a takusen from Hachiman which thwarted the monk Dōkyō's scheme to usurp the throne. This incident strengthened Hachiman's character as a guardian kami of the imperial house.

In 860 according to the activities of the monk Gyōkyō of Daianji, an emanation of Hachiman was brought from Usa and established (kanjō) as the shrine Iwashimizu Hachimangū. This shrine became the focal point for the cult of Hachiman in the capital. The shrine was called Iwashimizu Hachimangū Gokokuji, and was structured as a "shrine temple system" (miyaderasei) in which "shrine monks" (shasō) such as kengyō or bettō took control of the shrine's management. Shinbutsu shūgō developed further at the shrine and the "original Buddha" (honji butsu) assigned to the kami Hachiman was the Buddha Amida (Amitābha).

Later Iwashimizu was included in the "twenty-two shrines" (nijūnisha) and was ranked just below Ise Jingū. At the end of the eleventh century Hachiman and Ise were called the "Two Imperial Mausoleums" (nisho sōbyō)and Hachiman attained the status of imperial ancestral kami. Based on this status, Hachiman also came to be regarded as the "clan kami" (ujigami) of the Genji clan. Thus Minamoto no Yoshiie had his coming of age ceremony (genpuku) at Iwashimizu Hachimangū and called himself Hachiman Tarō.

Hachiman's character as the ujigami of the Sewa emperor lineage Genji clan come to the forefront and at the end of the Heian Period the shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangū was "established" (kanjō) in Kamakura. In the medieval period, Hachiman developed from the Genji clan's ujigami into the guardian kami of the warrior class, and many Hachiman shrines were established (kanjō) on estates (shōen) in various regions as the "tutelary guardian of those areas" (chinjugami).
source : Satō Masato, Kokugiakuin University, 2007




. Yusuhara Hachiman-gū 柞原八幡宮 Yusuhara Hachimangu .
Oita 大分県, Hamanoichi (Hama no Ichi) 浜の市


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A Hachiman shrine (八幡神社 Hachiman Jinja, also Hachiman-gū (八幡宮))
is a Shinto shrine dedicated to kami Hachiman.
- - - More in the WIKIPEDIA !




< . Minamoto no Yoshiie Hachimantaro 源八幡太郎義家 .
(1039 – 4 August 1106)
- - - - - and his wife Akashi hime 明石姫

. Hidaka Jinja 日高神社 Hidaka Shrine .
- and Hachimantaro in Mizusawa, Iwate

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kigo for the New Year

Tomo Hachiman no on yumi shinji
鞆八幡の御弓神事 (ともはちまんのおゆみしんじ)
bow ritual at Tomo Hachiman
鞆八幡神社(沼名前神社), Numakuma Jinja 沼名前神社お弓神事
Fukuyama, Hiroshima prefecture

This festival dates back in legend, when emperess Jingu made an offering of a tomo 鞆wrist cover for archery to this shrine. It is now held as a new year ceremony on February 15 to pray for avoidance of evil and a peaceful year.
. . . CLICK here for Photos !


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Tsurugaoka Hachimanguu no go-han itadaki
鶴岡八幡宮御璽頂き (つるがおかはちまんぐうのごはんいただき)
getting a seal at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

Kamakura
鶴岡八幡宮の御璽頂き
January 1 till 5、the main is on January 3.
Nowadays it is also called Gohan Gyooji 御判行事
The official new "seal of the deity" is brought to the stamp office in the shrine compounds. The seal is held to the parts of the believers that hurt and they will be healed from their suffering.
A seal from the Bull deity Go-O 牛王宝印 is stamped on paper, put on bamboo skewers and given to the people. This ritual dates back to the Kamakura period, when the samurai prayed for good fortune in the coming year.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, see below.


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hatsugatsuo no shinku 初鰹神供 (はつがつおのしんく)
offering first katsuo bonito

During the Edo period, Kamakura was famous for the first bonito to be fished at the beaches of the inlay. The very first ones were offered at Hachimangu with prayers for a good fishing season.
This was usually done in January or february.
In newer years, the first fish of the year landing on the beach of Kamakura was called "ofuri おふり" and offered to the deities.


. first bonito, hatsu gatsuo, hatsugatsuo 初鰹 (はつがつお) .
kigo for early summer


鎌倉を生きて出でけん初鰹 
Kamakura o ikite ideken hatsu-gatsuo

you made it
past Kamakura alive -
first Katsuo bonito


Written in 元禄5年, Basho age 49
Basho was well aware of the customs of Edo, where the first Katsuo was an expensive delicacy unknown in his homeland, Iga.
The bonito from Kamakura was then carried to Edo as a present to the Shogun.

quote
In 1672, prior to taking his formal penname, Basho arrived in Edo and lived near the Nihonbashi Uogashi for a time.

The first bonito of the year
Amazingly fresh
They would have been alive when they left Kamakura


This is a haiku poem in which Basho describes the first bonito catches of the year. Basho lived in the residence of Sugiyama Sanpu ...
. Sugiyama Sanpu 杉山杉風 (Sampu) .   


Haiku about place names by
. Matsuo Basho 松尾芭蕉 - Archives of the WKD .

. WKD : Kamakura 鎌倉 a haiku town .


Another hokku by Kikaku about the expensive first Bonito :

on the chopping board
a golden thaler -
first bonito


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Yahata mairi 八幡参(やはたまいり)
Visiting Yahata shrine

Yakujin mairi 厄神詣 (やくじんまいり) Visiting the Yakujin deity
yakujin is an evil deity that brings bad luck and diseases. He has to be appeased at the beginning of the year.
Yakuyoke 厄除けの神 is a god deity like Hachiman, who prevents bad luck.

yakumairi, yaku mairi 厄参(やくまいり), yakumoode 厄詣(やくもうで)
Yahata ekijin moode 八幡厄神詣(やはたえきじんもうで)
Yahata miyage 八幡土産(やはたみやげ) souvenirs from Yahata
Yahatagoi, yahata koi八幡鯉(やはたごい) carp from Yahata
Yakujinsai 厄神祭(やくじんさい)Festival of the Yakujin
Aoyama matsuri 青山祭(あおやままつり)Aoyama festival
(another name for the Otokoyama)


On January 28 people went to Iwashimizu Hachimangu in Kyoto (see below) to pray for good fortunes in the coming year, at a small shrine in the Otokoyama mountain. There a sacres space was erected between a bamboo fence (himorogi 神籬)), the south side was open. People threw their talismans from the old year in and the whole was later burned.
As a "souvenir", people took home a New Year Arrow (hamaya) and a carp or dove made from paper, which they stuck into their hair.


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kigo for Late Summer




Hachiman yama 八幡山(はちまんやま)
Hachiman float
during the Gion Festival
祗園会 (ぎおんえ)
Kyoto

Reference : Gion Festival Kyoto


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kigo for Early Autumn


Fukagawa Hachiman matsuri
深川八幡祭(ふかがわはちまんまつり)
Hachiman festival at Fukagawa, Tokyo

. . . CLICK here for Photos !
Fukagawa matsuri 深川祭 ふかがわまつり Fukagawa festival
Tomioka matsuri 富岡祭(とみおかまつり)Tomioka festival


. WKD : Fukagawa Matsuri Festival Haiku .


Tomioka Hachiman-gu 富岡八幡宮 and
Fukagawa Fudo Do (Fudoo Doo) 深川不動堂


Fishing amulet for a cood catch
. Tomioka Hachimangu, Tokyo 富岡八幡宮 .

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kigo for Mid-Autumn

Hachiman Matsuri八幡祭(はちまんまつり)
Hachiman Festival

at Shrine Iwashimizu Jinja

hoojoo-e 放生会(ほうじょうえ)
Buddhist ritual of releasing living animals

Yahata hoojoo-e 八幡放生会 (やはたほうじょうえ)

Iwashimizu matsuri 石清水祭(いわしみずまつり)
Iwashimizu Festival

Otokoyama matsuri 男山祭(おとこやままつり)
Festival at Otokoyama

chuushuusai 仲秋祭(ちゅうしゅうさい)mid-autumn festival
nansai 南祭(なんさい)"festival in the South" (of Kyoto)

hoojoogawa 放生川(ほうじょうがわ) river for releasing fish
hanachidori 放ち鳥(はなちどり)releasing birds
hanachigame 放ち亀(はなちがめ)releasing turtles

the name "South Festival" contrasts with the annual festival at shrine Kamo Jinja in the north of Kyoto.
. kita no matsuri 北祭(きたのまつり)"festival in the North"


quote
The Iwashimizu Hachiman-gū (石清水八幡宮) is a Shinto shrine in the city of Yawata in Kyoto Prefecture.
The shrine's Heian period connections with the Kyoto and the Imperial family date from its founding in 859 (Jōgan 1) when construction on its earliest structures commenced. Shrine tradition explains that Emperor Seiwa ordered the shrine to be built in obeisance to an oracle in which Hachiman expressed the desire to be near to Kyoto to watch over the city and the Imperial House of Japan. This vision was reported by a Buddhist monk, Gyōkyō, who had a second vision which led to selecting the Otokoyama location where the shrine now stands.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !


Rikyu - Hachimangu was originally named
"Iwashimizu (=spring water)-Hachimangu".

. Rikyu Hachimangu Shrine in Oyamazaki-cho .
and the egoma oil connection 荏胡麻油


. Hojo-E 放生会 releasing life animals
and the Heart Pond 心の池 .


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. Hakozaki in Fukuoka 福岡県福岡市東区箱崎 .

Hakozaki matsuri 筥崎祭 (はこざきまつり) Hakozaki festival
Hakozaki hoojoo e 筥崎放生会(はこざきほうじょうえ)

Hakozaki Hachimanguu 福岡筥崎八幡宮 Hachimangu shrine in Fukuoka
September 12 - 18
It is one of the three great festivals in Fukuoka.

Hakozaki Shrine was founded in 923, with the transfer of the spirit of the kami Hachiman from Daibu Hachiman Shrine in what is Honami Commandry, Chikuzen Province in Kyūshū.
The annual Tamaseseri Festival (January 3) and the
Hojoya Festival (September 12–18) attract many to visit the shrine.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !

. . . CLICK here for Photos of the shrine !

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Usa matsuri 宇佐祭(うさまつり) Usa festival
Usa hoojoo e 宇佐放生会 (うさほうじょうえ)
at Usa Hachimangu 宇佐八幡宮 in Oita.

To appease the souls of warriours, now shells and clams are released into the sea.

Because of its mixed religious ancestry, one of the important festivals at the shrine is the hōjō-e (放生会), originally a Buddhist ceremony in which captive birds and fish are released.
The ceremony is accompanied by sacred kagura dances meant to commemorate the souls of fish killed by fishermen during the previous year. This syncretic rite fusing Buddhism and Shinto, now performed in many shrines all over the country, took first place here.

Emperor Ojin, who was deified as Hachiman-jin (the tutelary god of warriors), is said to be enshrined in all the sites dedicated to him; and the first and earliest of these was at Usa in the early 8th century. The Usa jingū 宇佐神宮 has long been the recipient of Imperial patronage; and its prestige is considered second only to that of Ise.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !

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Yabusame 流鏑馬

Tsurugaoka Hachiman matsuri
鶴岡八幡祭(つるがおかはちまんまつり)
Festival at Tsurugaoka Hachiman shrine

Kamakura
Tsurugaoka matsuri 鶴岡祭 つるがおかまつり
Kamakura Hachiman matsuri
鎌倉八幡祭(かまくらはちまんまつり)
. . . CLICK here for Photos !

yabusame 流鏑馬(やぶさめ)archery on horseback


quote
Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū (鶴岡八幡宮) is the most important Shinto shrine in the city of Kamakura.

This shrine, which used to be also a Buddhist temple and far bigger than today, was originally built in 1063 in Zaimokuza where tiny Moto Hachiman now stands, and dedicated to the Emperor Ōjin, (deified with the name Hachiman, the god of war), his mother Empress Jingu and his wife Hime-gami. Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, moved it to its present location in 1191 and invited Hachiman (from Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine) to reside in the new location to protect his government.

The present location was carefully chosen as the most propitious after consulting a diviner because it had a mountain to the north (the Hokuzan (北山)), a river to the east (the Namerikawa 滑川), a great road to the west (the Kotō Kaidō (古東街道)) and was open to the south (on Sagami Bay).

There are a number of sub-shrines on the site, the most important of which are the Junior Shrine (Wakamiya (鶴岡八幡宮若宮(下宮)) at the bottom, and the Senior Shrine (Hongū (本宮)) 61 steps above. The present Senior Shrine building was constructed in 1828 by Tokugawa Ienari, the 11th Tokugawa shogun.

Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū is now just a Shinto shrine but, for the almost 700 years from its foundation until the Shinto and Buddhism Separation Order (神仏判然令) of 1868, its name was Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū-ji (鶴岡八幡宮寺) and it was also a Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Kamakura.

Also in the compounds are

Maiden (舞殿) Dance Hall
Shirahata Jinja (白旗神社) shrine
Maruyama Inari sha (丸山稲荷社) shrine
Hataage Benzaiten Shrine (旗上弁財天社) Hata-age

© More in the WIKIPEDIA !


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The great Gingko Tree


. Wakamiya Hachimangu 若宮八幡宮 Shrines list .

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kigo for late Autumn

. Nada Fighting Festival (Nada no Kenka Matsuri)
灘のけんか祭り
at Matsubara Hachiman Shrine, Himeji
姫路 松原八幡神社



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Worldwide use

Hachiman Daibosatsu 八幡大菩薩
Großer Bodhisattva Hachiman


- quote -
Hachiman Project -
Heidelberg University Germany



The Hachiman Digital Handscrolls Project (HDH) is a pilot study to enhance digital presentations of movable image-and-text formats. The innovative open source system HyperImage is the pivotal tool employed to realize the aims of the project.
HDH
offers an innovative access to seven digitized Japanese illuminated hand scrolls ranging from the 14th to the 19th century. Each version tells the same story: The first part covers the prehistoric pregnant Empress Jingû and her alleged conquest of the Korean kingdoms by help of indigenous deities. This colorful myth is followed by the empress’s birth of the future Emperor Ôjin, and his manifestation as the Hachiman deity. Hachiman’s miraculous appearances and oracles as well as the foundation tales of the most famous Hachiman shrines cover the second part of the scrolls. The title of the scrolls reflects the gist of the scrolls,
Karmic Origins of the Great Bodhisattva Hachiman.”
- source : uni-heidelberg.de -


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Things found in the Daruma Museum



Mikoshi palanquin 神輿 

The possible origin of "mikoshi" is said to be found in the Nara Period, when the "kami" of the Hachiman Shrine in Usa was invited on a purple palanquin to Nara for the constructin of the "Daibutsu" Great Statue of Budda.

Matsuri : Festivals in Japan

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Yakushi-Ji temple, Nara

The approach to Yakushiji is along a winding path that passes the
Yasumigaoka Hachimangu 休岡八幡宮(やすみがおか はちまんぐう).
This building was constructed in 1603 and is still used to celebrate the Hachiman Festival on September 15th. If you visit at this time, you may be lucky enough to see the local children's sumo competition.
It is the shrine dedicated to Hachiman, here as a protector deity of Yakushiji, founded around 889, with its present structures from 1603.
Temple Yakushi-Ji Nara
法相宗大本山薬師寺



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The Deity for tuesday, kayoosei 火曜星(かようせい)
Hachiman Daibosatsu 八幡大菩薩) (六白金星)
and the Nine Stars Crest ... 九曜紋 ... Kuyoo Mon
. . . CLICK here for Photos of Great Bodhisattva Hachiman !


. Fuuji Hachimangu 風治八幡宮 Fuji Hachimangu .
Fukuoka


Kawagoe Hachimangu 川越八幡宮
..... Sumo Inari Shrine 相撲稲荷


Koo Hachimangu and the Shagiri festival 鴻八幡宮例大祭(しゃぎり
Kurashiki, Okayama prefecture


Hakodate Hachiman Shrine in Yachigashiracho


. Isaniwa Jinja 伊佐爾波神社 - Matsuyama .
Yuzuki Hachiman 湯月八幡 or Dogo Hachiman 道後八幡

Kitamuki Hachiman Shrine 北向八幡宮 Kobe city


Kotozaki Hachimangu 琴崎八幡宮

山口県宇部市上宇部大小路 Yamaguchi, Ube town


. Nishino Jinja 西野神社 Shrine in Sapporo .
Hondawake no mikoto 譽田別命 Homudawake


. Oosaki Hachimangu 大崎八幡宮 Osaki Hachiman Shrine .
Sendai


The Tamukeyama Shrine became the first branch of the Hachiman shrine from Usa.
Tamukeyama Hachiman Gu 手向山八幡宮


Yoshioka Hachiman Jinja 吉岡八幡神社 Miyagi

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When the legendary Empress Jinguu Koogoo (Jingu Kogo) stayed at the Hot Spring Doogo in Matsuyama on the island of Shikoku on her way to the Korean battlefield, she realized that she was pregnant.
To pray for the safe delivery and healthy upbringing of her child, later to become the Emperor Oojin, she had a doll made and offered it to the local Gods. This used to be called the "Roly-poly Doll of Doogo" (Doogo no Okiagari, Dogo no Okiagari). First it was made of wood but later became a papermachee doll. In the last days of February at the Spring Festival of the Matsuyama Shrine and the Iyo Hiko-no-Mikoto Shrine this doll has been sold since more than 200 years ago. It is now a talisman for easy delivery and the healthy upbringing of children and getting well after a disease.

Princess Daruma of Matsuyama

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In all shrinesd dedicated to Hachiman the doves (pidgeons) are kept as sacred animals messengers of the deity.

. hatobue 鳩笛 pidgeon whistle, dove flute .


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komabato, koma no hato 狛鳩 guardian doves


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Miyake Hachimanguu 三宅八幡宮 Miyake Hachimangu Shrine - Kyoto

The Miyakehachiman Shrine was founded in the reign of Empress Suiko by the envoy to China, Ono no Imoko 小野妹子, who was ill on the trip and got healed by praying to Hachiman.
This shrine is also known as 'Mushihachiman'. It is believed that child's bad health is healed.
- reference -

. koma...  狛  shrine guardian animals .


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yakujin 厄神(やくじん)
"deity of preventing bad luck"
or
"deity to bring bad luck"



Yakujin Myoo-Oo 厄神明王
. . . CLICK here for Photos !
The deities Aizen Myo-O and Fudo-O in one person as preventers of bad luck
愛染明王と不動明王

Mondo Yakujin 門戸厄神 Mondo the preventor of bad luck
Or an Aizen Myo-O with two faces 両頭愛染

Mondo Yakujin Tookooji
門戸厄神東光寺(もんどやくじん とうこうじ)
Temple Toko-Ji 東光寺 in Hyogo, Nishi no miya town.
. . . CLICK here for Photos !
Especially visitied on January 18 and 19 and the Star Festival on Feburary 3, when people in their "unlucky year 厄年" come to pray for protection.


. Aizen Myo-O 愛染明王



Deity to bring bad fortune and disease
. Yakubyoogami 疫病神
Deity to bring poverty 貧乏神 binboogami, bimboogami


. Yōka 八日様 Yoka Sama, the Honorable Day Eight .
rituals for the 厄神 Yakujin

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HAIKU


袴著や八幡宮の氏子だち
hakamagi ya Hachimanguu no ujiko tachi

they come clad in Hakama trousers -
all the parishioners
from Hachimangu


. Masaoka Shiki 正岡子規 visiting shrines and temples .


. ujiko 氏子 local worshiper, parishioner .


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城山の八幡祭風強し
shiroyama no Hachiman-sai kaze tsuyoshi

at the castle mountain
during the Hachiman festival
the wind is strong

Minagawa Bansui 皆川盤水
At Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine


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Related words

. KAMAKURA - a Haiku Town


. Sacred Animals and Amulets .


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5/03/2008

Hakata Dontaku Festival

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Dontaku Festival in Hakata

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


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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)

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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

CLICK for more Japanese reference CLICK for more English reference


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Worldwide use


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Things found on the way



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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

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Related words




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


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