The Shorei Matsuri (Shorei Festival) held at the Dewa Sanzan Shrine in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a traditional and sacred festival with a history of more than 1,400 years, held as the year transitions from the end of the year to the New Year. In this issue, we will introduce the charm and deep spirituality of this mysterious fire festival.
What is syoureisai Festival?
Syoureisai Festival is a traditional event designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset that takes place from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day on Mount Haguro, one of the three mountains of Dewa. Also known as the “toshiya Festival,” it is a solemn festival that retains the spirit of Shugendo.
Origin of the Festival
The origin of the syoureisai Festival can be traced back to the legend of Hachikonooji, the founder of Mt. Haguro, who burned away evil spirits, which has been passed down to the present day in the form of a fire festival as a prayer to ward off disease.
Festival proceedings and highlights
Events on December 31
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8:30 a.m.: Festival begins
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From early morning: “Big torch maruki” by local youth
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Daytime: matunorei, sakaki offering, purification ceremony
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Night: New Year's Eve Festival
Big torch ceremony
The climax of the festival is a ritual using a big torch. A big torch in the shape of a demon called “tsutsugamushi” is burned and a prayer is offered to ward off evil. The flames burning in the night sky create a mysterious and solemn atmosphere.
Shinto ritual in which a fire is lit to convert a fire into a new fire
The fire-renewal ritual is an important ceremony to welcome the New Year. In this ceremony, the fire for the new year is lit and the wishes of the local people are expressed.
syoureisai Festival Spirituality
Relationship with Shugendo
The syoureisai Festival is an important event that embodies the teachings of Shugendo. The spirit of Shugendo, a fusion of Shinto and Buddhism, is passed down through this festival to this day. Particularly, as a festival for the fulfillment of the winter peak, the spirituality of the festival is profound and is the culmination of the ascetic practitioners' rigorous ascetic training.
Meaning of Prayer
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Prayer for a good harvest
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Family safety wishes
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Peace in the community
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the disease has subsided
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Happy New Year
What to expect when participating in the program
What to wear and bring
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Thermal protection is a must.
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Wearing comfortable shoes recommended
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A flashlight is useful
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Cameras are allowed, but be careful not to disturb the ritual.
Manners of Prayer
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Attend quietly for a sacred event
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Check directions and precautions carefully.
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Handle fire with care.
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Moderate behavior on shrine grounds.
Deepening the appeal of the syoureisai Festival
1. understanding of history
Before participating in the festival, it is recommended to learn about the history of Dewa Sanzan and Shugendo to gain a deeper understanding and impression.
2. contact with local culture
During the festival, visitors can also experience the traditional food culture and local products of the region. Through interaction with local people, visitors can learn more about the meaning of the festival.
3. experience of spirituality
The syoureisai Festival is a rare opportunity to experience a deep spirituality that is being lost in modern society. Anyone can feel a sense of spiritual purification by having a time of quiet prayer.
4. Dewa Sanzan Shrine, crowded with people paying their first visit to the shrine.
The syoureisai Festival is an event that can be enjoyed throughout the day, but if you do not have time, you may enjoy just paying your first visit over New Year's Eve.
Dewa Sanzan Shrine is crowded with visitors for Hatsumode, and the roads and parking lots are also busy, so early travel is recommended.
And it is quite cold in the precincts. Please be prepared for cold weather.
To learn more, please visit the official website below.
Main Ritual Event of Dewa Sanzan Shrine -syoureisai Festival [Special Ritual
summary
The syoureisai Festival is more than just a year-end and New Year's event. It is a spiritual culture that has been passed down for more than 1,400 years, and is a sacred festival that contains the prayers and wishes of the local people.
The sight of torch flames lighting up the night sky on Mt. Haguro in the bitter winter is a mystical experience that is becoming lost in modern society.
Next New Year's Eve, we recommend experiencing the depth and solemnity of traditional Japanese culture at the syoureisai Festival at Dewa Sanzan Shrine.
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