5/05/2011

Uji Festival

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Uji Festival (Uji matsuri)

***** Location: Uji Shrine
***** Season: Early Summer
***** Category: Observance


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Explanation

Uji matsuri 宇治祭 (うじまつり) Uji Festival
rikyuu matsuri 離宮祭(りきゅうまつり)Rikyu Festival
taihei shinji 大幣神事(たいへいしんじ)ceremony of the large wands
karakasaboko 傘鉾(からかさぼこ)"kasahoko floats with large parasols"
karakasa gohei 傘御幣(からかさごへい) wands with large parasols

At shrine Uji jinja 宇治神社,and Ujigami Jinja 宇治上神社, Kyoto 京都府宇治市
from May 8 to June 8.
. . . CLICK here for Photos of the shrine !
Ujigami Shrine is a world heritage site.

The shrine has two compounds, the upper and lower one, and both are also called "Rikyu Hachiman Shrine 離宮八幡".
. . . CLICK here for Photos !


The deity venerated here is
Uji wakaira tsuko no mikoto
菟道稚郎子尊(うじわかいらつこのみこと)

On May 5, the mikoshi portable shrines of each shrine are brought to their "travel stations" (tabisho), where they are venerated for one month. This is called
oide 御出 "they have come"

On June 5 they are carried back (Kankoo sai 還幸祭).
On the way they stop at shrine Agata jinja 縣神社, where the ceremony of the "large wands" takes place. People pray for good health and a bountiful harvest.


source : tois.nichibun.ac.jp

These large wands are made from three pines cut at the mountain Taiheisan 泰平山 , cut to a length of about 6 meters. They are cut to a triangular shape and covered with white cloth. These wands are thrust in the sky and slapped on the ground on the way crossing the bidge Ujibashi 宇治橋, where the wands are thrown into the river.
The house on the way where the wand is completely destroyed will have bad luck in the coming year.

After this, the mikoshi are carried back to their shrines.
During the parade, there are also large floats with parasols and lanterns. Young men with masks of demons dance under these parasols.

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Agata matsuri あがた祭り / 県祭 Agata Festival

kigo for mid-summer
kurayami matsuri くらやみ祭(くらやみまつり)
festival in the dark


The Agata Festival on June 6 begins in the early morning and runs until late at night. The festival is famous throughout western Japan for the activities that are rumored to take place when the lights are suddenly doused at midnight.

- quote -
Agata matsuri
The main annual festival (reisai) of Agata Shrine, in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture held around June 5 (originally, the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar).
The festival begins on the fifth with the offering of a sacred meal to the kami. At about 1 a.m. on the night of the sixth, after all lights have been extinguished, a large image of the deity Bonten (Skt. Brahma-deva) , which is considered to be a representation of the kami enshrined at Agata, is paraded by naked young men.
The statue is carried in procession to a temporary enshrinement location (otabisho) in the heiden (a structure between the main sanctuary and the worship hall, where offerings are usually presented to the kami).
The Agata Festival is also known as kurayami matsuri (festival in the dark). Agata is the shrine of the tutelary deity of the temple Byōdōin. Given that the heiden where the image of the kami enshrined at Agata, Konohanasakuyahime also hosts the sacred palanquin (shinyo) of the male deity of the Uji Shrine, the festival has also been regarded as a divine nuptial rite (shinkon). Two days later a purification ritual using large paper streamers is carried out at the Uji Shrine.
- source : Kokugakuin, Mogi Sakae -



Bonten togyo 梵天渡御 "Bonten is passing"

. Bonten 梵天 Baramonten, Brahma .


. Reference : Ujigami Shrine

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quote
Since Uji is a place full of tradition, there are many small temples to be found on both sides of the river.
Byōdō-in Temple (平等院), Phoenix Hall (鳳凰堂 Hōō-dō)
Kosho-ji Temple
Mimurotoji Temple
Mampukuji Temple (萬福寺)

Uji Shrine. This shrine is located right next to Ujigami Shrine, this shrine was built to consul the soul of Prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko, who committed suicide in the Uji River.

Ujigami Shrine, (Located just to the left of Uji Shrine). This modest little shrine is a registered World Heritage Site.
It's said to be the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan.
source : iguide.travel/Uji


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Festivals at Uji Shrine

1月 1日 歳旦祭
2月 3日 節分祭 [通称]星祭
4月 第二日曜日 水神祭 [通称]宇治川祭
5月 8日 例祭 [神事名]神幸祭
6 5日 幣渡祭 [通称]梵天渡御祭
6月 8日 例祭 [神事名]還幸祭
6月 30日 大祓式
10月 1日 献茶祭
12月 中旬日曜日 火焚祭
12月 31日 大祓式
毎月 1日 月次祭
source : www.kamimoude.org


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Worldwide use


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Things found on the way



In the 4th century the son of Emperor Ōjin established a palace in Uji.

Three Battles of Uji-gawa took place here in 1180, 1184, and 1221.

Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358–1408) promoted cultivation of green tea in the Uji area. Since that time Uji has been an important production and distribution center of superior quality green tea. Tsuen tea has been served since 1160 and is still sold in what is the oldest tea shop in Japan, and possibly the world—the Tsuen tea shop.

The final chapters of the Tale of Genji are set in Uji, attracting visiting literature buffs.

In the 15th century A.D., tea-jars were brought by the shoguns to Uji in Kyoto, Japan from the Philippines which was used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony.

Ujigami Shrine was found via dendrochronology to be the oldest original Shinto shrine in Japan, having been built around 1060, and is supposed to have a close relation with Byōdō-in in 1052.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !


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HAIKU


山吹や宇治の焙炉の匂ふ時
yamabuki ya Uji no hoiro no niou toki

mountain roses -
when tea ovens at Uji
are so fragrant

Tr. Barnhill


MORE - discussing this hokku and
Drinking tea with
. Matsuo Basho 松尾芭蕉 - Archives of the WKD .



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秋晴や宇治の大橋横たはり
akibare ya Uji no oohashi yokotahari

fine autumn weather -
the big bridge at Uji
spreads over the river


Tomiyasu Fusei 富安風生

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Related words

***** . The Phoenix Hall in Uji 鳳凰堂  

***** . Tea from Uji 宇治茶
Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358–1408) promoted cultivation of green tea in the Uji area.


source : morihan shop, Uji


8 - Monk Kisen 喜撰法師
. Ujiyama うぢ山 Mount Uji 宇治山 .
. Ogura Hyakunin Isshu Poems 小倉百人一首 .

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Fuchu Festival

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Fuchu Festival (Fuchuu matsuri)

***** Location: Tokyo
***** Season: Early Summer
***** Category: Observance


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Explanation

Fuchuu matsuri 府中祭 (ふちゅうまつり)
Fuchu Festival


May 5 at the shrine Ookunitama 大国魂神社 Okunitama Jinja
3-1,Miya-Machi,Fuchu-Shi,Tokyo



. . . CLICK here for Photos of the Shrine!

rokusho matsuri 六所祭(ろくしょまつり)
"festival at six places"
Fuchuu yami matsuri 府中闇祭(ふちゅうやみまつり)
Fuchu festival in the dark, Fuchu Kurayami Festival
..... Fuchuu kurayami matsuri 府中暗闇祭(ふちゅうくらやみまつり)
. . . CLICK here for Photos !

Fuchuu kenka matsuri 府中喧嘩祭(ふちゅうけんかまつり)
Fuchu fighting festival

This used to be the main shrine of the Musashino plain and six regional shrines have their representative shrine halls there too. This was called

rokusho myoojin 六所明神 Deities from six places

During the festival, these six deities are placed on a mikoshi sacred palanquin each. They are paraded around from midnight on in the pitchdark, since all the homes on the roadside have to turn off their lights. On the way back to the shrine from the "tabisho" station, the mikoshi carriers sway back and forth and rub each other in a virtual "fight".


This shrine was established more than 1900 years ago. It is well known to host the gods for good fortune and marriage ties. From the city of Fuchu an avenue of zelkova trees of about 700 meters leads to the shrine.




ema votive tablet from the shrine, depicting the procession of the
yamiyo matsuri 闇夜祭り night festival.

. Amulets and Talismans from Japan . 


. Atariya 当たり矢 amulet arrow to hit good luck .

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quote
Fuchū (府中市, Fuchū-shi) is a city located in western Tokyo Metropolis, Japan.
The city is located 20 km west of central Tokyo.
The government of ancient Musashi Province was established in Fuchū by the Taika Reform, and the city prospered as the local center of politics, economy, and culture. It prospered as a post town on the Kōshū Highway in the Edo period, and the Kita Tama District public office was placed here after the start of the Meiji era.
1602: The Fuchū post-town was established with the upgrading of the Kōshū-dochu road (Kōshū Highway).
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !


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Okuninushi no ema 大国主命の絵馬 votive tablet


Okuninushi, Daikoku and the White Rabbit of Inaba
. Amulets and Talismans from Japan . 


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Things found on the way


At the shrine Iwaki Okunitama Jinja  いわき大国魂神社



Gomottomo sama 御神体「ごもっともさま」
福島県いわき市平菅波字宮前54
source : www.kuniomi.gr.jp


go-mottomo 御尤 is a normal expression in daily conversation, it simply means "you are absolutely right".


Go-Mottomo Sama is celebrated in many shrines throughout Japan as a symbol of male fertility.

The female symbol of Go-Mottomo Sama is a square wooden box (masu) filled with beans.

quote
Gomottomosama is the vernacular name for the February setsubun festival that is held at Mitsumine Jinja in Ōtaki Village, Chichibu County, Saitama Prefecture.
A ritual bean scattering takes place in the haiden on the day before the calendrical beginning of spring (setsubun no hi).
Toshiotoko (men born under the same sign of the Chinese zodiac as the current year, or men who are in their yakudoshi, or unlucky year), carry a measuring cup (masu) filled with lucky beans in one hand and a wooden pole or pestle eighty centimeters in length in the other.
When they appear, the waiting people shout,
"Akuma taisan, banpuku shōrai
(Evil spirits begone! Great fortune begin!),"

at which point the men respond with a chorus of "Gomottomosama," and scatter the beans with their pestles.
Also, there is a setsubun purification ceremony (tsuinashiki) and a performance of the mikomai and yamatomai dances.
source : Mogi Sakae



. . . CLICK here for Photos !


This shrine also houses the "six places" rokushoguu 六所宮 (rokusho no miya) for the old province of Mutsu.


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Yaegaki Shrine (八重垣神社, Yaegaki Jinja)
. Yaegaki, Susanoo and Fertility .



. Ooyamato Jinja 大和神社 Oyamato Jinja .
Nara
Yamato no Ookuni Tama no Kami 倭大国魂神
Okunitama no Kami


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HAIKU


府中祭頬紅淡く掃いてきぬ
Fuchuusai hoobeni atsuku haite kinu

Fuchu Festival -
thick rouge brushed
on her cheeks


Nakamura Ami 中村阿弥
source : tsuru/kukai

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Related words

***** .Honen Matsuri (Hoonen Matsuri 豊年祭)  
The Penis Festival at shrine Tagata Jinja 田県神社


***** . Nada Fighting Festival (Nada no Kenka Matsuri)   



***** . sumomo matsuri すもも祭 (すももまつり)
Sumomo plum festival
 
karasu uchiwa 烏団扇(からすうちわ)"craw fan"
July 20 at the shrine Ookunitama 大国魂神社 Okunitama Jinja


***** . WKD : Musashino Plain 武蔵野 .


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5/03/2011

Seihaku Festival

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Seihaku festival (Seihakusai)

***** Location: Ishikawa prefecture
***** Season: Early Summer
***** Category: Observance


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Explanation

Seihakusai, seihaku sai 青柏祭 (せいはくさい) Seihaku festival
("Green oak Festival")

Dekayama Festival デカ山

May 3 till May 5

Annual festival at the shrine Ootokonushi Jinja in Nanao Town.

石川県七尾市/大地主神社

CLICK for more photos

Seihakusai is a festival where three large floats (hikiyama 曳山) with huge wooden wheels are pulled through the town of Nanao, Ishikawa prefecture. In Nanao, they are called dekayama, large floats, because they are 20 m high and weigh as much as 20 tons. (They are the biggest floats of this kind in Japan.)

On an open stage on the float are decorations of popular traditional theater figures.
They have large levers of 8 meters with flags, where a group of young man stand to try and lift the front wheels for a curve.

The floats are decorated with green leaves of regional oak trees (kashiwa 柏), hence the name.

These floats are made by three villages, Uo-Machi, Fuchuu-Machi and Kai-Machi.
To pull these large floats through the small roads of the village is quite a job for the men in charge.

This festival is an important cultural property of Japan.
重要無形文化財






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Worldwide use


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Things found on the way





長まし Nagamashi sweets, eaten at the festival.
They help to ward off bad fortune.
These mochi ricecakes are made from local rice


. WASHOKU : Mochi cakes .


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HAIKU



CLICK for more photos


青柏祭七尾乙女の瞳燃ゆ
seihakusai Nanao otome no hitomi moyuru

Seihaku Festival -
the eyes of the girls of Nanao
are shining


Ota Hideo (Yamaguchi)

source : hot-ishikawa.jp
with more haiku about specialities from Ishikawa prefecture


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Related words

***** . WKD : Main Index  


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Nanto Town Toyama

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Festivals of Nanto Town, Toyama


for Fukuno no yotaka see below.



source : www.tabi-nanto.jp
富山 南砺市

SPRING

南砺いのくち椿まつり
平成24年3月24日(土)・25日(日)

福光宇佐八幡宮 福光春季例大祭
平成23年4月17日(日) 早朝より

五箇山春祭り
毎年4月19日から5月6日

福野夜高祭 Fukuno Yotaka Matsuri
宵祭り 毎年5月1日・2日 18:00から深夜
本祭り 毎年5月3日 早朝から

井波よいやさ祭り Inami Yoiyasa Matsuri
毎年5月3日 早朝から夜まで

城端曳山祭(国指定重要無形民俗文化財)
毎年5月4日・5日

四季の五箇山 春の宵 Gokanyama
平成23年5月28日(土)・6月4日(土)

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SUMMER


上畠アート
平成23年8月19日(金)~21日(日)

利賀とがめん麵祭り
平成23年7月30日(土)・31日(日)

スキヤキ・ミーツ・ザ・ワールド
平成23年8月19日(金)~21日(日)

SCOTサマーシーズン Marathon
平成23年8月19日(金)~28日(日)

城端別院善徳寺虫干法会
毎年7月22日から28日

井波太子伝会&いなみ太子伝観光祭
毎年7月21日から29日

福光ねつおくり七夕祭り
平成23年7月21日(木)~24日(日)


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AUTUMN


なんと彩菜まつり
平成23年10月29日(土)・30日(日)

福野のごっつお里いもまつり Fukuno
毎年11月23日(祝)10:00

雪恋まつり
毎年11月23日(祝) 9:00~15:00

南砺菊まつり
平成23年11月3日(木)~13日(日)

ど〜んと利賀の山祭り
平成23年10月22日(土)・23日(日)

こきりこ祭り Kokiriko Matsuri
毎年9月25・26日

五箇山麦屋まつり
毎年9月23、24日

五箇山和紙まつり Gokanyama Washi Paper festival
平成23年10月1日(土)・2日(日)

城端むぎや祭
毎年敬老の日(9月第3月曜日)直前の土日

寺のまちアートinいなみ
平成23年8月20日(土)~9月4日(日)

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WINTER


利賀の初牛 Toga no Hatsu uma
1月15日近辺の休日

四季の五箇山 雪あかり
平成24年2月5日(日)

つごもり大市
平成24年2月28日(火)・29日(水)

こきりこ味まつり
平成24年2月19日(日

南砺利賀そば祭り
平成24年2月10日(金)~12日(日)

南砺ふくみつ雪あかり祭り
平成24年2月11日(土)~2月12日(日)

南砺市アイスフェス
平成24年2月11日(土)・12日(日)

福野歳の大市
毎年12月27日

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Yotaka andon matsuri 夜高行灯祭 (よたかあんどんまつり)
Yotaka andon lantern festival
Fukuno no yotaka 福野の夜高(ふくののよたか)

observance kigo for late spring



quote
The Yotaka Matsuri festival of Fukuno is performed at the annual spring festival of Fukuno Shinmeisha Shrine 神明社, located in Fukuno, Nanto City, in the form of large and small andon (paper lanterns) going round the streets of Fukuno.

On the evenings of May 1 and 2, huge papier-mache andon produced by the seven towns - Ura-machi, Okura-machi, Kami-machi, Shin-machi, Tatsumi-cho, Nanatsuya, and Yoko-cho - visit Fukuno Shinmeisha to pay homage in turn, and then go out to the streets of Fukuno, accompanied by the music of flutes, drums and songs.
Late at night on May 2, the festival ends following a ceremony of conclusion called Shanshan which is performed by each town authority.

This festival is a major event in Toyama Prefecture, where huge andon are taken to the streets of the town. It is also a valuable resource for the study of andon production, the size of the andon having gradually become gigantic since the latter part of the Edo period, as well as for the change in the style of the procession.
It is also significant for its relationship with a ta-matsuri festival called Yotaka, which is widely seen in the Tonami district.
source : bunkashisan.ne.jp

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Shrine lantern

With more photos
source : airnanasi


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Shrine Shinmeisha 神明社




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HAIKU



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Related words

***** . OBSERVANCES – SPRING SAIJIKI .

***** . Andon 行灯 lanterns .


. Amulets and Talismans from Japan . 

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5/01/2011

Goryo Matsuri Festival

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Goryo Festival (goryoo matsuri)

***** Location: Kyoto
***** Season: Early Summer
***** Category: Observance


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Explanation

Goryoo Matsuri 御霊祭 (ごりょうまつり)
Goryo Festival

goryoo no shinji 御霊の神事(ごりょうのしんじ) Goryo Shinto ritual
goryoo no oide 御霊の御出(ごりょうのおいで) visiting Goryo (shrine)

May 1 till 18 at the Kami Goryo Shrine 上御霊神社, Kyoto.
At Shimo Goryo Shrine下御霊神社 on a sunday near May 18.

CLICK for more photos

Ritual to appease the six "vengeful spirits" of enemies of the state.

Sudo, Sudoo Tenno 崇道天皇 (? - 785) and his son,
Iyo Shinno 伊予親王.
his mother, Fujiwara Fujin, 藤原婦人
Fujiwara Hirotsugu, 藤原広嗣
Tachibana Hayanari, 橘逸勢
Bunya no Miyata Maro 文室宮田麻呂

. . . Later two more were added :
Kibi no Makibi 吉備真備
Sugawara Michizane 菅原道真

The rituals are now for these 8 vengeful spirits.

. Sutoku Tenno, Sotoku 崇徳天皇 (1119 - 1142) .

CLICK for original,kyoto album walking


quote
History of the Gion Matsuri
Kyoto has suffered on many occasions from all kinds of bad omens, including epidemics, floods, fires, and earthquakes. To keep the spirits from being angry, special protective or goryo-e festivals have been held in Kyoto since ancient times.

The first Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's oldest goryo-e festivals, was held in the early Heian period (794-1185) to stop a series of devastating plagues.
source : www.kyotoguide.com


The Chinese characters are also read

mitama matsuri みたままつり【御霊祭(り)】
These rituals and festivals are also held at other Shinto Shrines in Japan.
Some are held during the O-Bon rituals for the ancestors.


. 御霊神社 Goryo Jinja, Kamakura .
Kamakura Gongorō Kagemasa 鎌倉権五郎景政 "Gongoro san"
is the deity in residence.


御霊神社(ごりょうじんじゃ)という名前の神社は、日本各地に存在する。
- A long list :
- - - More in the WIKIPEDIA !

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The vengeful spirits, goryoo, onryoo 御霊、怨霊
Sugawara Michizane 菅原道真

. the vengeful spirits of the dead .  


. Kibi no Makibi 吉備真備  


. The Tachibana clan (橘)  



Prince Sawara
(早良親王 , Sawara-shinnō)
posthumous Emperor Sudō (崇道天皇, Sudō-tennō).
He was also made part of pantheon of ‘disgraced’ figures enshrined at the Shinsenen in Kyōto, in 863, to appease (rather than banish) troubled, even vengeful, souls. The others were Mononobe no Moriya (killed 587), Prince Iyo (executed 807), Fujiwara no Nakanari (executed 810), Tachibana no Hayanari (executed 842) and Bunya no Miyatamaro (executed 843).
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !

- quote -
Scholar uncovers the fascinating history behind Japan’s folklore
One such story is “The Curse of Prince Sawara,” said to have been one of the reasons for Emperor Kanmu to relocate the capital to Heiankyo in present-day Kyoto in 794, only years after moving it to nearby Nagaokakyo.

It is said that Crown Prince Sawara, the emperor's brother, was framed for an assassination and died of indignation, and that Emperor Kanmu was haunted by his vengeful ghost because a number of imperial family members died afterward.
- source : asahi shinbun -
桓武天皇 . Prince Sawara (早良親王, Sawara-shinnō) .



. Taira no Masakado 平将門 (? – 940) .
Possible reincarnation of Sugawara Michizane . . .

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What is a kenboko?
剣鉾 (けんぼこ)



The kenboko is a ritual apparatus used to appease evil spirits. In festivals, it takes the lead position during the passage of mobile shrines. The shape of the kenboko has been linked to such ancient weapons as bronze swords and halberds, although the connection is by no means definite.

Of more certainty, is its association with belief in the spirits of the dead, during the Heian Period. In 869, during the first Gion Goryo-e (meaning "service for souls"; later to become Gion Matsuri), 66 tall spears (hoko) were erected in Shinsen Garden, after which prayers were offered in the hope of driving away the pestilence then ravaging the city.

Nenjugyoji Emaki, a series of picture scrolls depicting annual events from the Heian Period, show a festival hoko leading the passage of a mobile shrine during Gion Goryoe. Historical materials from around the beginning of the Muromachi Period show kenboko in forms close to those of the present day.

The rakuchu-rakugai-zu folding screen illustrations in the Uesugi Family Book from the late Muromachi Period show a Goryo-sha kenboko procession.


Toya-kazari of Kenboko
Kenboko serve to appease evil spirits by appearing in festivals in a ritual called kenboko-zashi (bearing of the kenboko). People who come under the protection of the deity to whom the shrine is dedicated are responsible for looking after the kenboko. The kenboko themselves are procured by the local community or a Hoko Association.

Therefore, kenboko do not usually belong to a shrine. Rather, they are the property of a community in that shrine's jurisdiction, or a Hoko Association. Each year the kenboko is passed to a different residence in the community, where it is feted for the following 12 months. This practice is called toya-kazari.


A kenboko is typically made up of kensaki (point of the sword), shingaku (deity plaque), kazari (ornamentation), fukichiri (standard) and rin (bells). All of these are attached to a long pole.

The kensaki is made of thin metal, while the shingaku carries the name of the shrine, the deity to which it is dedicated, and the name of the era from which it derived. Kazari, or ornamentation, includes crests and heraldic emblems of plants and animals, elaborately crafted in metal. Each kenboko takes its name from the kazari designs.

When carried in procession, the kenboko is placed vertically in a pouch secured around the waist. As the bearer walks, he moves the kenboko back and forth, up and down, all the while ringing the bells. As kenboko are 6~7 metres long and weigh about 60 kg, this kind of movement calls for a high degree of skill.

The Main Kenboko Festivals in Kyoto:
Kumano Shrine Jinko Festival April 29
Shinsen Garden Shinsen Garden Festival May 1~3
Saginomori Shrine Annual Festival May 4
Imamiya Shrine Imamiya Festival
..... From May 5 to a Sunday near May 15
Otoyo Shrine Ujigami Festival May 5
Hachidai Shrine Jinko Festival May 5
Jinushi Shrine Jinushi Festival May 5
Suga Shrine Jinko Festival May 10

Gojo Tenjinsha (shrine) Ujiko Festival October 10
Sugadaijin Shrine Annual Festival 2nd Sunday in May
Ichihime Shrine Ichihime Festival Sunday nearest May 13
Nagi Shrine Jinko Festival 3rd Sunday in May
Ebisu Shrine Annual Grand Festival 3rd Sunday in May
Atago Shrine Nonomiya Shrine Saga Festival 4th Sunday in May
Seimei Shrine Jinko Festival September 23
Kitano Tenmangu (shrine) Zuiki Festival October 1~4
Kita shirakawa Tenjingu (shrine) Annual Festival October 7
Awata Shrine Awata Grand Festival October 10
Hiraoka Hachimangu (shrine) Annual Festival October 10
Kono shimaza Amaterasu Omikami Shrine (Kaikono yashiro)
... Annual Festival October 10
Kasuga Shrine Kasuga Festival 2nd Sunday in October
Yoshida Shrine / Imamiya Shrine Imamiya Shrine Annual Festival 2nd Saturday in October
Hachi Shrine Autumn Grand Festival 3rd Sunday in October
Fukuoji Shrine Autumn Grand Festival 3rd Sunday in October
Sumiyoshi Otomo Shrine Jinko Festival 3rd Sunday in October
Okazaki Shrine Ujiko Grand Festival October 16
Jonangu (shrine) Jinko Festival Sunday nearest October 20
Yuki Shrine Kurama Fire Festival October 22
Iwakura Shrine Annual Festival 4th Saturday in October


Kenboko from Shrine Kasuga Jinja

source : www.kyobunka.or.jp


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kigo for early summer

Imamiya matsuri 今宮祭 (いまみやまつり)
Imamiya shrine festival


Imamiya matsuri oide 今宮祭御出(いまみやまつりおいで)
take part in the Imamiya festival

From May 5 to a Sunday near May 15
Three large ox-drawn festival floats are paraded around town.

CLICK for more photos

A Shinto shrine located in Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It was originally established for patrons to pray for safety from an epidemic, though it has evolved into a shrine where patrons can pray for general good health.

On every second Sunday in April, one of the 3 major festivals in Kyoto, Yasurai Matsuri 安良居祭 (やすらいまつり), is held at the shrine. The word imamiya (今宮) means "newly constructed.

There are several attractions that are unique to Imamiya Shrine. Specifically, there are two longstanding restaurants adjacent to the shrine. These shops' specialty are aburimochi - skewered, roasted rice cakes that are a traditional Kyoto confection. The two restaurants, named Ichiwa and Kazariya, have been open since 1002 and 1656 respectively and are located immediately outside the shrine's east gate.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !


. WASHOKU : aburimochi あぶりもち


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HAIKU


半日は神を友にや年忘れ
hanjitsu wa kami o tomo ni ya toshi wasure

half a day
I spent in the company of the gods -
this Year-End Party

Tr. Gabi Greve

Basho spent the last day of the year with the priest Ogurusu Yuugen 小栗栖祐玄 Yugen
at the shrine Kami Goryoo Jinja 上御霊神社

Discussion of this hokku
. Matsuo Basho 松尾芭蕉 - Archives of the WKD .


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Related words

***** . Gion Festival (Gion matsuri)  
祇園祭り (ぎおんまつり)

***** . Sugawara Michizane 菅原道真 .

. ikiryoo 生霊 . 生き霊 Ikiryo“living spirit” .


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4/23/2011

Taga Shrine Festivals

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Taga Shrine Festivals

***** Location: Taga, Shiga
***** Season: See below.
***** Category: Observance


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Explanation

Taga Taisha 多賀大社 Great Taga Shrine
in Shiga prefecture
http://www.tagataisya.or.jp/



quote
Two deities are enshrined at Taga Taisha - Izanagi no-Okami (father of Amaterasu-Omikami enshrined in Ise Jingu) and Izanami no-Okami. It is popular among many believers as a shrine of life prolongation and longevity while also protecting people against evils.
The shrine has a long history indeed as it even appeared on "Kojiki", the oldest record of events in the country completed in 712.

On its grounds is a rock called the Chojuseki that is believed to be effective at life prolongation. Additionally, the Otaga-Jakushi, a charm to protect you from sickness and grant you longevity, is sold for 300 yen a piece which is indeed popular among many.

The Okushoin Teien (place of scenic beauty) is a unique type of garden that can be seen by looking down from the Shoin. Actualizing a wonderful harmony with the Okushoin, the two features indeed create a beautiful landscape.

The Itokiri-mochi sold at "Tagaya" in front of the shrine is a famous confection that is elegantly sweet. It is made by stretching a soft lump of rice cake with a filling into a thin strip and cutting it into several pieces with a string.

Otaga-shakushi (お多賀杓子):
A talisman shakushi (Japanese ladle) from the reign of Empress Genshō. Allegedly the origin of the Japanese word otamajakushi.
source : www.japan-i.jp

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Korei taisai (古例大祭)
Most important festival held on April 23. Also known as
Taga-matsuri (多賀まつり).
. . . CLICK here for Photos !



Otaue-sai (御田植祭) (O-taue sai)
A festival of planting rice with traditional rites.
June 7.
. . . CLICK here for Photos !




Mantoo-sai
(万灯祭) (Manto sai)
Lantern festival held on the night of August 3-5.
. . . CLICK here for Photos !



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Taga Castle, the capital of Mutsu Province

Tagajo  多賀城 Tagajo Castle in Miyagi pref.

宮城県多賀城市
. . . CLICK here for Photos !


quote
Tagajō (多賀城市, Tagajō-shi) is a city located in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.
The city was named after Taga Castle, the capital of Mutsu Province.

As of 2010, the city has an estimated population of 63,256 and the population density of 3,220 persons per km². The total area is 19.64 km².

The present day city was founded on November 1, 1971.
The tsunami in 869 caused extensive flooding of the Sendai plain, destroying the town of Tagajō. Archaeological investigations have identified the remains of 8th and 9th century buildings beneath the present town, covered by sediments dated to the middle of the 10th century.

The town was again seriously affected by the tsunami caused by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake. As of 7 April 2011, 177 people were known dead, with 15 missing. 1,811 people were living in shelters.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !




Great Haiku Meeting at Tagajo
壺の碑全国俳句大会 Tsubo no Hi
in October

There is also a great tea ceremony.
source : www.city.tagajo.miyagi.jp


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HAIKU



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Related words

***** . WKD : Main Index  


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4/22/2011

Yasukuni Shrine

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Yasukuni Shrine Festival

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


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Explanation

Yasukuni matsuri 靖国祭 (やすくにまつり)
Yasukuni shrine festival

Shookonsai 招魂祭(しょうこんさい)
Shokonsai, "soul summoning rite", "spirit inviting rite"

April 21 till 23
Shunki Reitaisai (Annual Spring Festival)

Purification ritual in the afternoon of 21.
Official prayers for the Dead on 22.


Yasukuni Shrine 靖国神社 Yasukuni Jinja
is a Shinto shrine located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the soldiers and others who died fighting on behalf of the Emperor of Japan.
Currently, its Symbolic Registry of Divinities lists the names of over 2,466,000 enshrined men and women whose lives were dedicated to the service of Imperial Japan, particularly to those killed in wartime. It also houses one of the few Japanese war museums dedicated to World War II. There are also commemorative statues to mothers and animals who sacrificed in the war.
The shrine has attracted controversy for enshrining a number of war criminals from the Second World War.


Yasukuni is a shrine to house the actual souls of the dead as kami, or "spirits/souls" as loosely defined in English. It is believed that all negative or evil acts committed are absolved when enshrinement occurs. This activity is strictly a religious matter since the separation of State Shinto and the Japanese government in 1945.

The priesthood at the shrine has complete religious autonomy to decide to whom and how enshrinement may occur. They believe that enshrinement is permanent and irreversible. According to Shinto beliefs, by enshrining kami, Yasukuni Shrine provides a permanent residence for the spirits of those who have fought on behalf of the Emperor.
Yasukuni has all enshrined kami occupying the same single seat. The shrine is dedicated to give peace and rest to all those enshrined there.
It was the only place to which the Emperor of Japan bowed.

Enshrinement of war criminals
One of the controversies arises out of the enshrinement of World War II war criminals. In 1959, the kami of 1,068 Class-B and -C war criminals who had been executed after being sentenced to death by the military tribunals of the Allied Forces were enshrined at Yasukuni.


Annual celebrations
January 1: Shinnensai (New Year's Festival)

February 11: Kenkoku Kinensai (National Foundation Day)
Anniversary of the day on which Japan's first Emperor, Emperor Jimmu, is said to have founded the Japanese nation.

February 17: Kinensai (Spring Festival for Harvest)

April 21–23: Shunki Reitaisai 春季例大祭
(Annual Spring Festival)


April 29: Showasai (Showa Festival)—Emperor Showa's birthday

June 29: Gosoritsu Kinenbisai (Founding Day)
Commemoration of the founding of Yasukuni Jinja

July 13–16: Mitama Matsuri—
A mid-summer celebration of the spirits of the ancestors. The entry walk is decorated with 40 foot high walls of 29000 or more lanterns, and thousands of visitors come to pay respects to their lost relatives and friends.

October 17–20: Shuki Reitaisai (Annual Autumn Festival)

November 3: Meijisai (Emperor Meiji's Birthday)

November 23: Niinamesai (Festival of First Fruits)

December 23: Tenno gotanshin Hoshukusai
(Birthday of the Current Emperor)

The first, 11th and 21st day of each month: Tukinamisai

Every day:
Asa Mikesai, Yu Mikesai, Eitai Kagurasai (perpetual Kagura festivals)

© More in the WIKIPEDIA !


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Amulet from Yasukuni Shrine

. . . CLICK here for more Amulets !


Homepage of Yasukuni Shrine

source : www.yasukuni.or.jp



Oonusa 大麻 (おおぬさ) Onusa Amulet


source : Yasukuni Amulets


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a car named : Daruma Serika ダルマ・セリカ



A car race starting from Yasukuni shrine
靖国神社をスタート
finish at Kamigamo Shrine, Kyoto
京都は上賀茂神社

source : minkara.carview.co.jp


. . . CLICK here for "Daruma Serika" Photos !


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HAIKU


靖国祭喜寿の報告父にせり
Yasukuni sai kiju no hookoku chichi ni seri

Yasukuni shrine festival -
I report to my father
I am now seventy-seven


Saito Mamoru 佐藤守



kiju 喜寿 is a special birthday in Japan.
Special Birthdays in Japan


kanreki 還暦 60th birthday
. The Circle of 60 Years .


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Related words

***** . Kenkoku kinenbi 建国記念日 (けんこくきねんび)
National Foundation Day of Japan .



***** . OBSERVANCES – SPRING SAIJIKI .


. Amulets and Talismans from Japan . 

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4/17/2011

Tomobata Flag Festival

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Tomobata Flag Festival (tomobata matsuri)

***** Location: Ishikawa, Japan
***** Season: Mid-Spring
***** Category: Observance


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Explanation

Tomobata matsuri 伴旗祭 (ともばたまつり)
Tomobata Flag Festival

..... Ogikoo sai 小木港祭(おぎこうさい)Ogiko Harbour Festival

April 17 and 18



shrine Mifune Jinja 御船神社

Ishikawa prefecture, 
Uchiura machi, 石川県 内浦町 御船神社


quote
This spring Festival is dedicated to Mifune Shrine.
This Festival is also known as Mifune Matsuri. The 10 boats are decorated with 5 coloured Fukinagashi streamers. A huge streamer which is 20 m tall and 2 m wide and is made by stringing 500 Minogami washi papers is erected on the catamaran boat.
This huge streamer is called Tomobata.



These boats then rove around the Ogi Bay in tune with the rallying cries of "Yo-Yo-" and music of flutes, bells and drums. The scene which looks like a painting from an old picture scroll is sure to take you back in time.
source : hot-ishikawa.jp





The Tomobata 伴旗 flags.

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Other festivals in Ishikawa, Noto area

Abare (Rampage) Festival
Nights of the first Friday and Saturday of July
Abare Festival is dedicated to Yasaka Shrine in Ushitsu of Noto Peninsula.


Issaki Hoto Festival
First Saturday of August
This is one of the biggest and most lively summer festivals of Noto where spirited men from the area around a fishing town called Ishizaki parade through the streets bearing Kiriko lanterns


Seihakusai
May 3rd - 5th
This Festival is a designated as Japan's Important Intangible Cultural Property and is widely known as "Seihakusai Dekayama Festival".


Okuma Kabuto Festival
September 20th
One of Japan's Important Intangible Cultural Properties. This important Festival is dedicated to Kuma Kabuto Arakashi-hiko Shrine which is also known as Kuma Kabuto shrine. This Festival is also known as "20th Day Festival" since it is celebrated on 20th of September every year.


Wajima Taisai (Great Festival of Wajima)
August 23rd - 25th
10 meter tall festival lanterns called Kiriko as well as smaller portable paper lanterns are carried through the town streets along with portable shrines called 'omikoshi'.


Nafune Gojinjo Drum
Almost everyday from July to October;
The Gojinjo Drum Performance is a traditional folk entertainment in the Nafune area. It is said that the drummers wearing ghost masks and seaweed hair fought off the armies of Uesugi Kenshin who tried to attack the area in 1577.


Noto's Sakura (Cherry blossom) Station
April
Kashima, Anamizu-machi


Komaruyama Park's Sakura
April
This was originally the site of Nanao Castle founded close to the seashore by the 1st Lord of Kaga Province, Lord Maeda.


Shio Yawaragi no Sato
April
With 1,500 trees of Someiyoshino cherry blossom variety, Yawaragi-no-Sato (Place of Peace) is one of Noto's most famous cherry blossoms viewing spot.
source : hot-ishikawa.jp


MORE Festivals
source : ishikawajet.wikia.com

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. Washi - Paper from Mino .


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HAIKU




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Related words

***** . Prayer flag, prayer flags.


***** . OBSERVANCES – SPRING SAIJIKI .



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4/14/2011

Senbu-E Myoken-Ji

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Reading the sutras 1000 times (senbu e )

***** Location: Kyoto
***** Season: Mit-spring
***** Category: Observance


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Explanation

Senbu-E 千部会 Ceremony of chanting sutras for 1000 times
法華千部会


At temple Myookenji 妙顯寺 Myoken-Ji, Kyoto
April 14

The sutra Hokekyo is chanted for 1000 times.

The temple was advised as a special prayer temple by the emperor Godaigo Tenno  後醍醐天皇 in 1335.


MORE photos:
source : shikaishodo.com



In 2013 the timing has been postponed to March 09, due to considerations of the Big Earthquake on March 11, 2011.
05月09日 - - 4月14日に行われた法華千部会の様子を更新致しました。

京都市上京区寺之内通新町西入妙顯寺前町514


Festivals of this temple

1月 -- 新年祈祷会
2月 -- 二の午 慶中様大祭
4月 -- 14日 法華千部会
6月 -- 16日 法華懺法会(後醍醐天皇聖忌会)
8月 -- 10日 盆施餓鬼法要
11月 -- 13日 宗祖御会式(開山日像菩薩御会式)
12月 -- 冬至 除災祈祷会
31日 -- 除夜の鐘撞


Look at the Garden

source : teien.html


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quote
This is another of several nearly identical portraits painted in the 16th & 17th Centuries. This one is kept at Myokenji Temple in Kyoto. It appears be part of a set that includes portraits of Chih-I T’ien T’ai and Saicho, aka Dengyo Daishi. IIRC, the portraits were painted in the late 1600′s.

The founder of this Temple was Nichizo (1269-1342), who was Nichiro’s half-brother. It is said that Nichiren, on his deathbed at Ikegami, commissioned Nichizo with the task of converting the emperor in Kyoto. I am curious if this is an oral legend, actually recorded in the authenticated Shuso Gosenge Kiroku, or, perhaps, from the apocryphal transmission ‘dox’ kept at Ikegami?

Ryuei on Nichizo & Myokenji:
In 1333, Myokenji Temple joined in the prayers for Emperor Godaigo’s success. Fortunately for Nichizo, the emperor was successful and the Kamakuran Shogunate fell in 1333. In 1334, the emperor recognized Myokenji Temple as an Imperial Prayer Temple. In this way, Nichiren Buddhism was finally given official recognition. Nichizo’s lineage would later be known as the Shijo Lineage due to the location of Myokenji Temple in Kyoto. The Myokenji Temple was burned down by Tendai sohei (soldier-monks) from Mt. Hiei in 1387. It was rebuilt in 1398 and renamed Myohonji. It took the name Myokenji again in 1519.”
— The Mission to Kyoto by Ryuei Michael McCormick

source : fraughtwithperil.com


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. Japan after the BIG earthquake March 11, 2011 .

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Chanting sutras for 1000 times, the same sutra or different ones, chanted by one priest or many, there are variations of this kind of event in other temples in Japan.

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HAIKU



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


. Amulets and Talismans from Japan . 

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