WKD - Saijiki for Festivals and Ceremonies

12/05/2011

Ehime Prefecture

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. Regional Festivals - From Hokkaido to Okinawa .

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Ehime Prefecture - 愛媛県

a prefecture in northwestern Shikoku, Japan.
The capital is Matsuyama　松山.

©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !

. Matsuyama and Masaoka Shiki (松山と正岡子規) .

. Ehime - Entries of this BLOG .

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Isono Jinja 伊曽乃神社 Isono Shrine Festival
Saijo Festival西条祭り

shinkoosai 神幸祭(しんこうさい)

quote
Lasting for two days, Isono Shrine Festival is one of the biggest events held in the whole of Saijo City. It begins on October 15th at 2:00 am with the sacred Omiyadashi (taking out of the Shrine) and ends on October 16th at 4:00 pm with the sacred Miyairi (returning to the Shrine). The highlight of the festival includes more than 80 Danjiri and Mikoshi floats which are paraded around the area.

During the festival more than 100 lanterns are lit from dusk until dawn to reproduce a scene from old Japanese picture scrolls. The origin of this event remains unclear, but it can be found on some documents dating back to Edo period, in the year of Horeki 11th (1761 according to the Christian calendar).
Omiyadashi - On October 15th at about 2:00 a.m.
Otabisho - On October 16th at around 2:00 a.m.
Gotenmae - On October 16th at about 7:00 a.m.

Kawairi - On October 16th at 3:00 p.m.
the floats gather at the banks of Kamo river where the festival's finale takes place. With all the floats lined up to see off the Mikoshi that is going to Isono Shrine for Omiyairi, a beautiful scene begins to unfold. The setting sun behind the spectators reflects off of the river and shines onto the floats creating an impressive view. Regretting the end of the festival, a float from the Kobe district tries to obstruct the procession of Mikoshi in an apparent effort to prolong the festival.
When at long last the Mikoshi have crossed the Kamo river the festival comes to an end.
source : www.city.saijo.ehime.jp

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Yunomachi Mikoshi Festival 湯之町大神輿

湯之町大神輿は、愛媛・松山秋祭りの八町会に所属する神輿団体です。
- source : yunomachi1007.web

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Iizumi Shrine Festival
Iwaoka Shrine Festival
Kamo Shrine Festival
source : www.city.saijo.ehime.jp

Matsuyama Fall Festival
October

Matsuyama Port Festival
..... Mitsuhama Fireworks Display

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Niihama Taiko (Drum) Festival　愛媛新居浜太鼓祭り
October
One of the three great festivals of Shikoku Island.
四国三大祭り (Tokushima Awaodori and Kochi Kosakoi)
徳島の阿波踊り、高知のよさこい祭り and Niihama

source :　Steven Colburn, facebook

Centered on the three days from October 16 to 18, over fifty lavish taiko drum floats decorated with gold and silver tassels are paraded around the city on the backs of 150 men each.
An exciting event during the festival is when the floats compete in a "kaki kurabe" where groups compete to see which group can lift their float for the longest amount of time.
- source : tourismshikoku.org

Niihama Taiko matsuri 新居浜太鼓祭り
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !

治良丸太鼓台新調披露式
- source and photos : maeno3.com/taikomaturi -

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Togyu (Bullfighting)
Uwajima city

Ukai (cormorant fishing)
from June to September

Uwajima Ushi-Oni (Bull Devil) Festival
3. weekend in July

. ushi oni, ushioni, gyuuki 牛鬼 "bull-demon" .

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External LINKS :

- Reference -

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Related words

. Regional Folk Toys from Japan - EHIME .　

. Regional Dishes from Japan - WASHOKU .

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Tsuyama Town Festivals

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. Regional Festivals - From Hokkaido to Okinawa .

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. Okayama Prefecture - 岡山県 .

. - - - - - Tsuyama town　津山 .

Fukuriki-Kojin Festival
1st - 3rd of the lunar New Year
Fukuriki-Kojin Shrine 福力荒神社
Visitors to Fukuriki-Kojin to hope for the avoidance of mamushi (pit vipers) and for easy childbirth. 100,000 people including many visitors from surrounding prefectures and even Kyushu island pay visits to the shrine.

Tsuyama Cherry Blossom Festival 津山さくらまつり
Tsuyama is known in Okayama prefecture as the best place to view cherry blossoms in the spring. The Cherry Blossom Festival, held from early to mid-April, features an impressive 5,000 cherry trees. Located in Kakuzan Park, visitors can enjoy the beautiful flowers among the ancient castle ruins. There is also a Daimyo Procession parade.

. Tsuyama Cherry Blossoms - 2008 .

Manpukuji Buddhist Memorial Service
11th - 13th of the lunar New Year
Manpukuji Temple 万福寺
Manpukuji Temple is located on the holy ground at the top of Kurosawa-yama mountain, 659m above sea level. It is believed that thirteen-year-old children who visit this temple will be granted dignity, happiness, and wisdom. This 1200 year old traditional visit attracts tens of thousands visitors every year.

Nakayama Jinja - Rice Planting Festival
April 29th
This festival worships the god of farming and prays for an abundant harvest. About two dozen plowmen swing plows and pretend to plant rice while a lion dances to the music of the flutes and drums.

. Nakayama Jinja 中山神社 .

Azalea Blossom Festival 長法寺あじさい祭り
End of May
Kakuzan Park etc.
During this festival, a pageant of azalea blossoms celebrates the Tsuyama city flower. Hundreds of colorful potted dwarf azalea trees are exhibited every year. Potted dwarf trees and azalea seedlings are sold, and stalls serving Japanese green tea and various foods are set up.

Gongo Festival 津山ごんご祭り
Yoshii Riverbank Park
Celebrated on the first Saturday and Sunday in August in honor of Gongo (a kappa, one of Japan's mythical creatures), the Gongo Festival is a lively celebration with parades in the daytime and fireworks at night. A Gongo Dance Contest is held at the festival. The festival is held alongside the Yoshii River and on the opposite side are various vendors and food stands. Lanterns are hung from above and the fireworks are shot over the river.

. kappa 河童 the Water Goblin .

Lion Dance Festival 獅子舞 - 高田神社秋祭り
October 17th
Takata-jinja Shrine Autumn Festival - 高田神社秋祭り
This festival began around 710 A.D. to thank the gods for a good harvest. A male and female lion, each controlled by twelve dancers, perform a soul-stirring dance imitating a struggle. The lions keep time with the flutes and drums. The dance is believed to drive away the devil and impurity.

Tsuyama Matsuri 津山まつり
Held in mid-October at Tokumori Shrine, the highlight of this festival is the Daimyo Procession, in which they carry a portable shrine (mikoshi) from the shrine down through the Tamachi District.

Old Izumo Street Festival
出雲街道津山城東むかし町
Held on the first Sunday in November on Joto Street, this festival features a parade of individuals dressed in traditional Japanese clothing to remind everyone of the city's history as a part of the ancient pilgrimage to Izumo Shrine. Various other performances and events, such as tea ceremonies, are also held.

. Izumo Kaido, The Old Trade Road of Izumo .
出雲街道

. Okayama - Entries of this BLOG .

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External LINKS :

津山だんじり保存会館 | 津山まつり Tsuyama danjiri
- source : danjiri-jp.net

- source : www.tsuyama-ct.ac.jp

More in the WIKIPEDIA !

- Reference 津山まつり --

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Related words

. Regional Folk Toys from Japan - GANGU .　

. Regional Dishes from Japan - WASHOKU .

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12/03/2011

Chiba prefecture

12/01/2011

Akita Prefecture

Small straw or paper dolls are floated on a larger reed boat to the shrine.
They are dolls of samurai, called "Kashima".
To pray for the good health of children.

In Omagari, they float down the river Marukogawa 丸子川

After planting the rice fields, with a wish for good health:
. WKD : sanaburi 「早苗饗」(さなぶり) .

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Kemanai Bon Dance Festival
August 21 - 23, Daisen city

. Namahage なまはげ .
December 31, Oga Peninsula

Nishimonai Bon Dance Festival
August 16 - 18, Ugo

Oomagari no hanabi taikai 大曲の花火
Fireworks Contest in Omagari
fourth Sunday in August
along the river Omonogawa 雄物川
National Firework Competition

Tsuchizaki Shinmei Port Festival
July 20, 21. Shinmei shrine, Akita

Yokote Soul's Day Festival
August 15 - 16, Yokote 横手

Yuzawa shi no matsuri 湯沢市の祭り
August 5 - 7. Yuzawa town festival

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External LINKS :

Akita Summer Festivals
source : http://www.tohokumatsuri.jp

- Reference -

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Aomori Prefecture

One of the most gorgeous parades featuring floats with a history and tradition of more than 280 years. One will be enthralled by a joint procession of portable shrines from three shrines, followed by 27 floats featuring myths, legends, and kabuki.
Members of the three grand shrines take part in the parade.
Nationally designated significant intangible folk cultural asset.
source : www.aptinet.jp

The Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival
started in 1721, when the Great God Horyo was transmigrated to the Chojasan Sanshado Chapel (present-day Shinra Shrine). After some time, the procession came to be accompanied by floats (called Yatai) that were decorated with figures donated by powerful merchants in the domain. pageants such as the Tiger Dance performed by city residents were also added. Eventually the event developed into a grand festival for the entire community of the Hachinohe Domain to offer prayers for the safety of the city and rich harvests.

In 1889, the festival was joined by the parades of the Shinmei and Shinra Shrines. From that year on, floats that had been decorated with the same figures over the years wer gradually replaced by those that were build for each year, and the basic pattern of today’s festival was established.
source :　www.misawajapan.com

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Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri 弘前さくらまつり
Cherry Blossom Festival

. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2011 .

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Kuroishi Yosare Festival 黒石よされ
August 15 - 16

One of the three major dancing parades in Japan.
It has its origin in a song with dialogue between a man and a woman, performed during a Bon festival dance 500 years ago. Visitors can enjoy the Teodori dance accompanied by shamisen, drums, and songs, and a dramatic dancing parade with about 3,000 dancers.
source : www.aptinet.jp

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. Nebuta matsuri ねぶた Nebuta Festival .
August 2 - 7 in Aomori
August 4 - 8 in Goshogawara
August 1 - 7 in Hirosaki
July 30 - August 5 in Kuroishi
August 5 - 7 in Ominato and Tanabu town

. Osorezan taisai 恐山大祭
Great Festival at Mount Osorezan .
Shimokita Hanto　下北半島

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External LINKS :

Summer Festivals in Aomori
Towada Summer Festival, August
source : www.tohokumatsuri.jp

- Reference -

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Aichi prefecture Nagoya

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. Regional Festivals - From Hokkaido to Okinawa .

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Aichi Prefecture - 愛知県

Located in the Chūbu region.
The capital is Nagoya. I

Former provinces of Owari and Mikawa.
尾張国 Owari no kuni
三河国 Mikawa no kuni
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !

. Aichi - Entries of this BLOG .

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Arimatsu Float Festival
Early October

. Atsuta Shrine Festivals 熱田神宮 .

. Chiryuu matsuri 　知立祭り Chiryu Festival　 . 　
Chiryuu Jinja 知立神社 Chiryu Shrine　
- Chiryu Dashi Bunraku 知立山車文楽 Chiryu festival float with puppet theater　

Hadaka matsuri naked festival
Konomiya, Inazawa

Kakuozan Spring Festival
April 11th – 12th

. Kazamatsuri 風まつり Wind Festival .
and Utari Jinja Ta Matsuri 菟足神社田祭り
Utari Jinja　莵足神社

Maruhachi Day
August 8th – Hisaya-Odori Park Nagoya

Nagoya Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Nagoya Castle Summer Festival
Nagoya Festival - Oct 3rd and 4th

Nagoya Port Marine Day Festival
July 16th

Nagoya Sumo Tournament
Mid-July

Okazaki City – Ieyasu Parade
April 5th

. Okkawa 乙川 "Dashi" Float Festival .

Osu Summer Festival - Osu Kannon
July 31 and August 1st - Banshoji Temple

Setomono Festival, Pottery
2nd Sat and Sun of September

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Tanuki bo no te 田貫棒の手祭　Stick Festival at Tanuki village
Third Sunday in October
at 西尾 Nishio

- quote -
A famous form of acrobatics mixed with martial arts, the “Bo-no-Te” (lit. “Bar Hand” or “Hand on Stick”), once called “Bojutsu”, or “The Art of the Bar”, is still performed during specific festivals around Aichi Prefecture.

Every year at the Tanuki Shrine, in Nishio-City, a festival is held with demonstrations of this unique technique, which is designated as Aichi Prefecture Intangible Folkloric Cultural Heritage.
- source : aichi-now.jp/en -

天保年間（1830～1844）に石川伊兵衛、石川平三郎ら数名の武技愛好者が、現在の豊田市宮口にあった深田兵馬の鎌田流道場に入門し、奥義免許目録を授かったと言われている。鎌田流棒術は、「鎌田流皆伝録」によると、下段、中段、上段、薙刀の四種がある。

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. Tenteko matsuri てんてこ祭り fertility festival .
January 3
tenteko sasa てんてこ笹 Tenteko bamboo grass

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Wakaba-sai festival
Toyokawa, Ushikubo Hachimansha shrine
April
is nicknamed “Unagoji festival” after the local name of “maggot” because participants creep along on the streets like fly larvae.
One of the most unique folk festivals in Japan, the event is believed to trace its origin to the Sengoku period of warring states era from the late 15th to late 16th centuries. It reportedly comes from an occasion during the era in which local farmers were wined by a generous warlord so much that they could barely walk home.
During the climax of the festival on April 10, a historic dashi float crafted during the Edo Period (1603-1867) paraded along the local district to the shrine for the first time in half a century.
source :　asahi.com/ajw/articles

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三谷祭 in October
蒲郡市 Gamagoori town

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External LINKS :

source : nagoya-info.com

- Reference -

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11/23/2011

Kirishima Shrine Festivals

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Kirishima Shrine 霧島神宮

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

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Explanation

Kirishima city is located on the northeastern part of Kagoshima prefecture.

quote
The red-painted main building of Kirishima shrine, designated as an “Important Cultural Property”, is the place where music and festivals are held as offering for the gods, including the “Kagura” dance,
the Minami-Kyushu Kagura festival in summer,
the “Tenson Korin Gojinkasai” festival, a fantastic fire festival in fall, and the performance of the Kumen-daiko drums in winter.

“Kagura” is a traditional performing art featuring dance and music that dates back to ancient Japan. Music, songs and dances are performed wholeheartedly to please the gods.
source : www.jnto.go.jp

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quote
The mountains of Kirishima are an important site in the creation mythology of Japan. It was in this area that the god Ninigi no Mikoto, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is said to have descended from heaven to rule over the earth.

Ninigi no Mikoto landed on nearby Mt. Takachiho-no-mine 高千穂峰 bringing with him the three imperial regalia: the sword, the mirror and the gem; symbols of the imperial family. He eventually married a local princess, becoming mortal in the process, and established the lineage of Japanese Emperors.

Devoted to Ninigi no Mikoto, Kirishima Shrine was built during the Muromachi Period on a different site from where it stands today. Since then it has been destroyed numerous times by volcanic eruptions, but always rebuilt. The current shrine was constructed in 1715 where it survives to this day. Its large, beautiful buildings are surrounded by forest and have been declared important cultural property.
source : www.japan-guide.com

. Ninigi ニニギ　and Sakuyahime 花咲屋姫命 .

. Jinmu Tenno 神武天皇 .

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kigo for mid-autumn

hoze matsuri 豊穣祭 (ほぜまつり) Hoze festival
hoojoo e 豊穣会（ほうじょうえ）
(it is early winter in modern times)

Harvest thanksgiving festival (niiname sai 嘗祭) at Kirishima shrine.
November 23

The newly harvested products are offered in gratitude to the deities.
With a children's mikoshi portable shrines parade and children's brass band performance.

There is a sumo wrestling ritual and archery. Nowadays even gateball for the elderly.
Other local dances and arts are also performed.

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Homepage of the Shrine

Festivals of the shrine

The monthly festival Tsukinamisai 月次祭 is on the 19th.
February 25 - Otaue rice planting festival 田植祭
April 29 - Showa Festival 昭和祭

and many more
source : www.kirishimajingu.or.jp gosaigi

鹿児島県霧島市霧島田口2608-5
source : www.kirishimajingu.or.jp

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kumen omamori 九面お守り nine mask amulets

for many purposes
If you get all nine together, your wish will be fulfilled.
They represent the nine original kagura dance masks in the treasure house of the shrine.
They are amulets for good business, preventing evil and disaster and help progress in the arts.

赤の面　道開き・交通安全・旅行安全
青の面　心身健全・学業成就・歌謡上達
緑の面　病気平癒・家内安全・芸術優秀
白の面　厄除け・心願成就・出世開運・長寿等
阿吽一対で良縁・円満・和合に通じる。

source : greatest29/diary

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Ninigi no Mikoto 瓊瓊杵尊／邇邇芸命

quote
Ninigi
[Ame ni kishi kuni ni kishi amatsu hiko hiko ho no ninigi no mikoto] (Kojiki)

Other names: Amatsu hiko hiko ho no ninigi no mikoto, Amatsu hiko ho no ninigi no mikoto, Hiko ho no ninigi no mikoto(Kojiki), Amatsu hiko kuni teru hiko hono ninigi no mikoto, Amatsu hikone ho no ninigi no mikoto, Ame kuni nigishi hiko ho no ninigi no mikoto, Ame no ki hohokise no mikoto(Nihongi)

The kami who, as grandchild of Amaterasu ōmikami, descended from the Plain of High Heaven (Takamanohara) to the peak of Takachiho in Hyūga of Tsukushi (present-day Kyushu) to rule over the "Central Land of Reed Plains" (Ashihara no Nakatsukuni).
Offspring of Amenooshihomimi and Takagi no kami's daughter Yorozuhatahime.

The three generations of kami beginning with Ninigi are sometimes called the "three generations of Hyūga," and represent the transitional period between the heavenly kami and the first emperor Jinmu. Ninigi's name is often associated with numerous honorific descriptives, including
Amatsuhikohikohono (heaven-man, sun-child, rice ears),
Amatsuhiko Kuniteruhiko-hono (heaven-man land-illuminate-man, rice-ears). Amatsumioyahiko-hono (heaven-parent man rice-ears), and
Amekuninigishihiko-hono (heaven-land vigorous-man rice-ears)

While the precise meaning of many of these names is debated, they all denote a male kami of the "heavenly kami" lineage, related in some way to rice production.

According to Kojiki and Nihongi, Ninigi's father Oshihomimi was first commanded to descend and rule the Central Land of Reed Plains, but Ninigi was born while the Central Land was being pacified in preparation for Oshihomimi's descent. The main text of Nihongi states that Ninigi's grandfather Takamimusuhi raised him with particular affection. Furnished by Amaterasu and Takamimusuhi with five retainer kami, as well as with the symbolic sword, mirror and jewel, Ninigi descended in place of his father Oshihomimi.

He married the daughter of the "earthly kami" (kunitsukami) named Ōyamatsumi, and later fathered the first emperor Jinmu as well as the ancestors of the Owari and Hayato clans. According to the main text of Nihongi, Ninigi was buried in the mausoleum of Hyūga-no-e in Tsukushi (Kyushu).

According to Kojiki, the five kami who accompanied Ninigi at the time of his descent included
Amenokoyane and Futodama (both of whom performed divination at the time of Amaterasu's hiding away in the rock cave of heaven);
Amenouzume (who underwent possession and lured Amaterasu from the cave);
Ishikoridome (ancestral kami of the mirror-making clans); and
Tamanooya no mikoto (ancestral kami of the jewel-making clans).

The same kami names are listed as retainers in an "alternate writing" recorded by Nihongi. Other kami accompanying Ninigi included Omoikane, Tajikarao, and Amenoiwatowake, while Amenooshihi and Amatsukume no mikoto (ancestor of the Kume no Atai clan) went before Ninigi carrying bows, arrows, swords, and other weapons. Sendai kuji hongi claims that thirty-two kami accompanied Ninigi.
source : Yumiyama Tatsuya, Kokugakuin 2005

. Introducing Japanese Deities .

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Worldwide use

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Things found on the way

. Kagura Dance　神楽 .

. Kagoshima Jingu 鹿児島神宮 Kagoshima Shrine .
Hayato-cho Uchi, Kirishima. 隼人町, 霧島市

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HAIKU

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Related words

***** . OBSERVANCES – AUTUMN SAIJIKI .

***** . Kirishima tsutsuji 霧島躑躅 Kirishima azalea .
Miyama-Kirishima azalea

. Amulets and Talismans from Japan .　

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11/15/2011

Chinkonsai

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Settling of the soul ritual
(chinkonsai 鎮魂祭)

***** Location: Japan
***** Season: Early Winter
***** Category: Observance

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Explanation

tama shizume matsuri 鎮魂祭 (たましずめまつり)
festival of the pacification of the souls
ritual to console the spirit of the dead
..... chinkonsai, chinkon sai 鎮魂祭（ちんこんさい）

Performed on the day of the tiger in the eleventh lunar month.
Nowadays one day before the harvest ceremonies (niinamesai).

quote
Namiki Kazuko writes:

"Settling of the soul ritual."
A ritual of the ancient and medieval eras. Also called "mitama furi," "mitama shizume," "ō-mitama furi," "tama shizume no matsuri." According to the Explanations of the Prescriptions (Ryō no gige), the rite is intended to "call back" and "pacify" a soul that is trying to depart from someone’s body.

The state ceremony (in other words the ceremony as codified under the Ritsuryō state) was used to strengthen the spirit-soul of the emperor before he performed the major rituals of Daijō sai and Niiname sai and was to take place on the "day of the lion" (tora) prior to those rites.

First referred to in the "eleventh month, 685" entry of the Chronicles of Japan (Nihon shoki).

Usually the rite was performed within the Imperial Household Ministry (Kunaishō) where a "landing place" (kamiza) for the deity was constructed. The ministers and lesser officials attended bearing the emperor’s clothes, while shrine virgins (mikannagi) and kagura-dancers (sarume) from the Department of Divinities (Jingikan) conducted the ceremony.

This ceremony uses a special type of large vessel known as ukifunetsuki 有卦船, which some say reflects the Ame-no-iwato legend, although contrary theories exist as to its significance. After the end of the Heian period, the buildings for the Department of the Imperial Household no longer existed and the ceremony was held where they once stood. The ritual was abolished in the fifteenth century and then revived in pre-modern times, though it no longer followed its original formula. It has taken place on palace grounds since the Meiji era.
In the ancient and medieval eras, settling of the soul ceremonies were also performed for the junior empresses and crown prince.
source : Kokugakuin University. January 2007

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chinkon kishin 鎮魂帰神

Tsushiro Hirofumi writes

The terms chinkon and kishin are found in the classics but use of the four-character phrase became common only after a Shintō-derived new religion, Ōmoto, began to use it. Here, chinkon refers to the procedures for healing and directing spirits; by extension, it also refers to joining a deity's spirit [with a human subject].

Kishin means possession by the spirit of a kami. One type of kishin is abrupt and spontaneous while another is humanly induced through the process of chinkon. Various kinds of possessions are distinguished and finely graded, with spiritual unity between an individual and Ame no minakanushi considered the supreme form of kishin.

source : Kokugakuin University. January 2007

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Worldwide use

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Things found on the way

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HAIKU

Nishimura Kazuko
haiku collection
tama shizume
西村和子句集
鎮魂（たましずめ）

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Related words

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11/10/2011

Shiritsumi festival Yoritomo

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Hip hitting festival (shiritsumi matsuri)

***** Location: Shizuoka, Japan
***** Season: Early winter
***** Category: Observance

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Explanation

shiritsumi matsuri, shiri tsumi matsuri
尻摘祭 (しりつみまつり)
rump-bumping festival, hitting the buttocks festival
rear-end sumo

November 10

One of the special festivals (kisai) of Japan.

quote
Shiritsumi Matsuri is a festival in the evening, which is performed in the dark hall of Otonashi Shrine. The festival features Shiri-sumo, which is fought by two people on a wooden basin hitting each other by their hips in accordance with the festive music to push the opponent out. Thus, it is one of the strangest festivals in the country.
Whoever wants to play Shiri-sumo may participate the fight on the spot.
source : turismo/shizuoka

Otonashi Jinja 音無神社 Otonashi shrine

otonashi literally means "without a sound"

In the dark shadows below the huge camphor tree (kusu no ki) there are no lanterns during the festival and people are not allowed to talk or laugh. In this darkness, the priests perform purification rituals, hand the ritual sake around and then the "hip sumo" begins.

The ritual is in memory of Minamoto no Yoritomo 源頼朝, who was in exile on the peninsula and fell in love with the daughter of Ito Suketaka 伊東祐堯. The lovers met secretly in the dark below the tree, not talking to each other.

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source : Ryu san no BLOG

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Worldwide use

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Things found on the way

Minamoto no Yoritomo 源頼朝
(May 9, 1147 – February 9, 1199)
was the founder and the first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate of Japan. He ruled from 1192 until 1199.

Yoritomo was the third son of Minamoto no Yoshitomo, heir of the Minamoto (Seiwa Genji) clan, and his official wife, a daughter of Fujiwara no Suenori, who was a member of the illustrious Fujiwara clan. Yoritomo was born in Atsuta, Owari Province (present-day Atsuta-ku, Nagoya). At that time Yoritomo's grandfather Minamoto no Tameyoshi, was the head of the Minamoto.

In 1156, factional divisions in the court erupted into open warfare within the capital itself. The cloistered Emperor Toba and his son Emperor Go-Shirakawa sided with the son of Fujiwara regent Fujiwara no Tadazane, Fujiwara no Tadamichi as well as Taira no Kiyomori (a member of the Taira clan), while Cloistered Emperor Sutoku sided with Tadazane's younger son, Fujiwara no Yorinaga. This was known as the Hōgen Rebellion, or the 'Hogen Disturbance'.

His rival was Taira no Kiyomori.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !

His wife was Hojo Masako
. Hōjō Masako 北条政子 .
(1156 – 1225)

. 大島山瑠璃寺 Ojimasan Ruri-Ji Nagano .
a Legend about Yoritomo

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. Star Shrines, Hoshi Jinja 星神社

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HAIKU

From Yamato I passed through Yamashiro, taking the Omi Road into Mino. Beyond Imasu and Yamanaka lay the grave of Lady Tokiwa. Moritake of Ise once wrote,
“autumn’s wind resembling Lord Yoshitomo,”
and I had wondered what the similarity was. Now I too wrote

義朝の心に似たり秋の風
Yoshitomo no kokoro ni nitari aki no kaze

Yoshitomo’s heart
it does resemble:
autumn wind
Tr. and comment : Barnhill

Matsuo Basho,
walking along the

. 中山道 Nakasendo Road .

Nozarashi Kiko 野ざらし紀行
. Matsuo Basho 松尾芭蕉 - Archives of the WKD .

Tokiwa Gozen 常磐御前 Lady Tokiwa
wife of Minamoto no Yoshitomo. (1123 - ?1180)
Mother of Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
She was later captured by Taira no Kiyomori, and became his concubine in exchange for assurances of the safety of her family. Later she married Fujiwara no Naganari.
Her family and protecting her children was the most important thing in her life.

. Nakayama ningyoo 中山人形 Dolls from Nakayama .

Minamoto no Yoshitomo (源義朝) (1123 – 11 February 1160)
was the head of the Minamoto clan and a general of the late Heian period of Japanese history. His son Minamoto no Yoritomo became shogun and founded the Kamakura Shogunate, the first shogunate in the history of Japan.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !

. Minamoto no Yoshitsune 源の義経 (1159 - 1189) .
- Introduction -

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Related words

***** . Kisai 奇祭 special festivals

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

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11/06/2011

Kofukuji Nara

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Temple Kofuku-Ji

***** Location: Nara
***** Season: See below
***** Category: Observance

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Explanation

quote
Kōfuku-ji (興福寺, Kōfuku-ji)
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hosso(“Dharma characteristics”) sect and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Hosso sect is also known as the yuishiki(“mind only”) sect. The teaching was first brought to China from India by the T'ang Dynasty monk Genjo, whose travels are well known from his journal entitled “Travels to the West". Genjo transmitted the Hosso teachings, as found in the Yuishiki-ron (“Treatise on Mind Only”), to his disciple Jion Daishi,who is considered the founder of the Hosso school in China. These doctrines were introduced to Kofukuji by the monk Genbo (d. 746), who studied in China from 716-735.

Kōfuku-ji has its origin as a temple that was established in 669 by Kagami-no-Ōkimi (鏡大君), the wife of Fujiwara no Kamatari, wishing for her husbands’s recovery from illness. Its original site was in Yamashina, Yamashiro Province (present-day Kyoto). In 672, the temple was moved to Fujiwara-kyō, the first artificially planned capital in Japan, then again in 710, moved to its current place, on the east side of the newly constructed capital, Heijō-kyō, today's Nara.

Kōfuku-ji was the Fujiwara's tutelary temple, and enjoyed as much prosperty, and as long as the family did. The temple was not only an important center for the Buddhist religion, but also retained influence over the imperial government, and even by "aggressive means" in some cases. When many of the Nanto Shichi Daiji such as Tōdai-ji -declined after the move of capital to Heian-kyō (Kyoto), Kōfuku-ji kept its significance because of its connection to the Fujiwara. The temple was damaged and destroyed by civil wars and fires many times, and was rebuilt as many times as well, although finally some of the important buildings, such as two of the three golden halls, the nandaimon, chūmon and the corridor were never reconstructed and are missing today.

Tōkon-dō (East Golden Hall) (東金堂), 1425
Five-storied pagoda (五重塔, gojū-no-tō), 1426
Three-storied pagoda (三重塔, sanjū-no-tō), 1185-1274
Hoku'en-dō (North Octagonal Hall) (北円堂),1210
Nan'en-dō (South Octagonal Hall) (南円堂), 1741
Ōyūya (Bath House) (大湯屋) 1394-1427

source : Wikipedia

Kofuku-Ji, Architecture and Buddhist Sculptures
- Mark Schumacher -

The most famous statue of an Ashura is at the temple Kofuku-jiin Nara.
. Ashura, Asura (あしゅら) 阿修羅 .

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kigo for late spring

Koofukuji Monju e 興福寺文殊会 (こうふくじもんじゅえ)
ceremony for Monju Bosatsu at temple Kofuku-Ji

April 25

Children in old costumes parade around the compound.
People attend with the wish for better learning and a good career for their children.

CLICK for more photos !

Monju represents wisdom, intelligence, learning and willpower.
. Monju Bosatsu 文殊菩薩　Manjushri .

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kigo for early winter

Koofukuji hokke e 興福寺法華会 (こうふくじほっけえ)
ceremony of the Lotus Sutra at temple Kofuku-Ji

On the 6th day of the 10th lunar month (now in November)
At the South Octagonal Hall, reading the Lotus Sutra.
In memoriam of Fujiwara Uchimaro 藤原内麻呂
(756 - October 6, 812 (lunar calendar, now November 13).
He was the father of Fujiwara Fuyutsugu 藤原冬嗣 (775 - 826).

Hokkekyoo, Hokekyoo 法華経; Saddharma-pundariika-suutra

The Lotus Sutra, Hokke-kyoo　法華経、describes various deities as Bosatsu concerned with light offerings.

Jookoobutsu定光仏
Toomyoobutsu燈明仏
Niman Toomyoobutsu二萬燈明仏
Sanman Toomyoobutsu三萬燈明仏
Nichi-gatsu Toomyoobutsu日月燈明仏, the Sun and Moon Light Offering Buddhas
Myookoo Bosatsu妙光菩薩

. Light Offering Bosatsu .

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Yuima E 維摩会 (ゆいまえ) ceremony for Yuima
Koofukuji Yuima e 興福寺維摩会（こうふくじゆいまえ）
..... Joomyoo e 浄名会（じょうみょうえ）
(Jomyo is another name fro Yuima, Vimalakirti.)

From the10th to the 16th day of the 10th lunar month (now November)
Ceremonies in honor of Yuima.

Fujiwara Kamatari 藤原鎌足 named his villa in Yamashina "Yamashina Temple 山階寺 " and there begun to teach his vasalls about Yuima.
Together with
Go Sai E, Mi Sai E 御斎会 (seven days from Januray 8) and
Saijoo E 最勝会 (seven days from March 7),
this is one of the three great ceremonies at Kofuku-Ji.

Yuima Koji, a wealthy Indian who sought solace in Buddhism, was regarded in China as a paragon of virtue. He is often regarded as the first Zen Buddhist Master. His disupte with Monju Bosatsu Manjushri has often been depicted. His popularity here stemmed from the balance he made between disengagement with worldly attachments and family responsibility, a trait highly valued in the country. Ryukei I himself tried to closely follow Koji's example.
. Sculptor Shimizu Ryukei 清水隆慶 .

quote
Yuima Koji (Vimalakirti) 維摩居士(ゆいまこじ)
Laienbuddhist aus Vaisali, Indien.
Er war ein sehr gelehrter Mann. Als er krank lag, erschien Monju, der Bosatsu der höchsten Weisheit, und beide diskutierten mit~einander. Dabei soll Yuima durch paradoxe Aussprüche (z.B. "Schweigen wie ein Donnerschlag") das innerste Wesen des Buddhismus beschrieben und sich dem Monju überlegen erwiesen haben. Vimalakirti verkörpert eine Laienfigur. Er ist kein Priester und kein Mönch. Seine Person wird in vielen Reliefs und Gemälden als ganz normaler Mann dargestellt. Der Disput mit Monju ist im Sutra Yuimakyoo festgehalten.

Abbildungen dieser Szene finden sich in den Wandgemälden der Höhlentempel in Dun Huang in China und im Tempel Horyuuji, Nara.

- Buddhastatuen ... Who is Who
Ein Wegweiser zur Ikonografie
von japanischen Buddhastatuen
Gabi Greve

Vimalakirti debating Manjusri

- Reference : Vimalakirti

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Things found on the way

Amulets from Kofuku-Ji

for a happy family

for traffic safety　交通安全

clover for good luck クローバー

Homepage of Kohfuku-Ji Temple Complex

February, on Setsubun Day: Demon Chasing Ceremony; Eastern Golden Holl.
February 15: Nirvana Ceremony (in commemoration of the death of the Buddha)
March 5 : Ceremony in Memorial of Genjo; Main office complex.
April 8 : Buddha's Birthday Ceremony; Southern Octagnal Hall.
April 17 : Life Releasing Ceremony; Hitokoto-Kannon Hall.
April 25 : Manjusri Ceremony; Eastern Golden Holl,
May 11/12 : Takigi Noh drama; Southern Main Gate.
July 7 : Benzaiten Festival; Three Storied Pagoda.
October 17 : Daihannya Ceremony; Southern Octagonal Hall.
November 13 : Ceremony in Memorial of Jion Daishi　慈恩大師; Kari-kondo.

source : www.kohfukuji.com

. Amulets and Talismans from Japan .　

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HAIKU

秋風や囲ひもなしに興福寺
akikaze ya kakoi mo nashi ni Koofukuji

autumn wind -
temple Kofuku-Ji
without a fence

Masaoka Shiki

右京左京中は畑なり秋の風

般若寺の釣鐘細し秋の風

無住寺に荒れたきままの野分哉

. Masaoka Shiki 正岡子規 visiting shrines and temples .

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Rain at Kofukuji Temple, Nara
Tsuchiya Koitsu 土屋浩一 (1870-1949)

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Related words

***** . WKD : Place Names used in Haiku 　

. Amulets and Talismans from Japan .　

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WKD - Saijiki for Festivals and Ceremonies

12/05/2011

Ehime Prefecture

Tsuyama Town Festivals

12/03/2011

Chiba prefecture

12/01/2011

Akita Prefecture

Aomori Prefecture

Aichi prefecture Nagoya

11/23/2011

Kirishima Shrine Festivals

11/15/2011

Chinkonsai

11/10/2011

Shiritsumi festival Yoritomo

11/06/2011

Kofukuji Nara

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