Calendar
Detailed information is supplied for the rites in blue.
June
- 7th
- Imamiya-reisai (Imamiya Shrine) 今宮例祭
- 8th
- Hotaru-hojo-sai (Releasing Fireflies) 蛍放生祭
7pm
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu attempts to improve the environment and preserve the native ecosystem. Our idea is to preserve or even regenerate the environment. We have dealt with the challenge of improving the water quality in the precinct, so that wildlife can survive.
The ritual takes place at Yanagihara Shinchi (柳原神池, literally Sacred pond at willow field). We have tried to improve the water quality and its clarity by a native percolation system, which uses charcoals and stones. As summer comes, fireflies are starting to hatch and fly around the pond and stream.
The Firefly ritual is held to recognize the preciousness of life and the seasons’ passing, and to thank our kami for giving us life and daily sustenance.
In the ritual, fireflies are dedicated to our kami at once, with Kagura dancing and Gagaku music. Fireflies are then released to the pond by the priests.
Also, foreign diplomats and their families are invited, and some of their children participate for releasing fireflies.
The sight of fireflies flying around clear water in the twilight shade is striking.※Kami (the Japanese word for Shinto deities or sacred beings)
- 9th
- Annual Ritual for the consecrators 御日供献饌講講社祭
- 30th
- Ôharae (Major Purification) 大祓
11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm
Oharae (大祓、major ritual of purification) is held to remove impurities and people’s sins. Harae (祓、purification) is held at the beginning of all Shinto rituals, and it is one of the most important rituals.
The idea of Shinto is that people unconsciously engage with various types of defilement such as uncleanness, matters related to blood in everyday life, and anything related to death. In order to purge these, Oharae is conducted twice a year, the body and spirit are purified and refined. - 30th
- Koshinsatsu-shono-sai (Burning of Returned Amulets ) 古神札焼納祭