User:Immanuelle/Michiae no matsuri

The Festival of the Road Gods (道祖神祭り, Michiae no matsuri) was an ancient ceremony prescribed by the Divinities Prescriptions (Jingiryō) intended to prevent evil spirits, such as demons and epidemic gods (ekishin), from entering the capital. This festival was conducted on the main roads (ōji) surrounding Kyoto in each of the four cardinal directions.^[1]

Historical Context

The precise origins of the Festival of the Road Gods are unclear, but its formal characteristics suggest it is closely linked to the establishment of capital cities in Japan. It likely dates back to the founding of the Fujiwara Palace in Nara at the end of the seventh century. The festival's association with the introduction of capital cities suggests its purpose was to protect these new urban centers from malevolent supernatural influences.^[1]

Ritual Elements

The festival was performed by diviners (urabe) from the Department of Divinities (Jingikan), who utilized ritual implements made of fur. This indicates a strong connection to yin-yang divination practices (onmyōdō). The use of these implements and the involvement of the Department of Divinities highlight the festival's spiritual and protective purposes.^[1]

Decline and Disappearance

The Festival of the Road Gods gradually disappeared during the mid-Heian period, influenced by the rise of the Festival of the Four Directions (Shikaku sai) and other similar observances. As these other festivals gained prominence, references to the Michiae no matsuri became scarce in historical records.^[1]

Interpretations and Records

The Ryō no gige (Explanations of the Prescriptions) notes that the Michiae no matsuri aimed to prevent calamity-causing demons from entering the capital by intercepting and entertaining them in the streets. Conversely, the norito prayer recorded in the Engi Shiki (Engi Regulations) for this festival indicates that it celebrated three deities: Yachimata-hiko and other road deities. This suggests a dual interpretation of the festival's purpose: both as a means of protection from malevolent spirits and as a celebration of specific deities associated with the roads.^[1]

Footnotes

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 This is an example festival. The last three emperors have their festivals celebrated.

Referennces

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 ^1.4 "Michiae no matsuri | 國學院大學デジタルミュージアム". web.archive.org. 2023-09-29. Retrieved 2024-05-18.

[example-1] 1.0 ^1.1 This is an example festival. The last three emperors have their festivals celebrated.

[web.archive.org-2023-2] 1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 ^1.4 "Michiae no matsuri | 國學院大學デジタルミュージアム". web.archive.org. 2023-09-29. Retrieved 2024-05-18.

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