New Year's Visit of Masked Gods
@The New Year's Visit of Masked Gods (Mensama-Nento) is National Important
Intangible Folk Property. It is a religious ceremony the purpose of which
is to drive out an evil spirit. It has been held for over 400 years in
Wajimasaki-machi and Kawai-machi. In Wajimasaki-machi, two children who are masked
and dressed as a married couple (= mensama) visit houses with a branch
of a Sakaki tree, which is supposed to be a God's tree. They pray at the
household Shinto Altar, and receive the host's New Year's Greeting. The
host then prays to the mensama for his family's well-being, offering the
first grains of rice. (January 14th and 20th) |
