Yesterday was Tondo Matsuri over in Tanijyugo. A fire festival traditionally held on the first new moon of the year.
On the bonfire are placed everybodies new years decorations, which have accumulated "bad luck".
A short ritual is performed, though not by a priest. A lot of what is now called shinto was appropriated from folk customs. Many of the traditions that now occur in shrines were formerly done by villagers outside of the shrine in the community, like Tondo.
4 people who were born in previous rabbit years light the fire.
The purification takes place....... and then we eat and drink!!!
Posts
the similar, ritually christmas tree burning is (still) quite widespread too
ReplyDeletenot done by a priest? Really? The towns people just had ritual clothing stashed away? fascinating
ReplyDeleteHey justgotpaid.... the guy doing the ceremony is the local newspaper deliverer. Yes, heian period costumes are used by people others than priests.... kagura musicians etc
ReplyDelete