ShinshuWinter, traditional tradition

A wide north-south terrain surrounded by mountains Nagano The prefecture has long been cultivated by the harsh environment, and has developed a unique culture rooted in the climate and climate of various regions. In particular, in winter, as the winter solstice and New Year are marked by milestones, there are many historic traditional events held on each land. We will introduce traditional winter events that live in the region.

Vol.1: The Winter Solstice, praying for the resurrection of the sun and life, Toyama's Shimotsuki Festival
Vol.2: The New Year's masterpieces of Ueda's Yokkado Festival and the Future of Sumin

Kokugakuin University lecturer
SouthShinshuAdvisor of the Council for Promotion of Folklore Entertainment Inheritance
Sakurai Hiroto

▲First, we will carry out a solemn "gods" that welcomes the gods of all over the country, and then carefully repeat the bathing space throughout the night.

▲ Normally, at dawn, the spirit faces of the Toyama clan and the gods of the village appear.

During the dayTimesOne of the major features is that, around the winter solstice in December (Shimotsuki, the lunar calendar), when the vitality of all things weakens, the gods from all over the country invite hot springs to pray for the revival of life, and the spirit faith that calms the vengeful spirits of the Toyama clan, the lord, who is said to have been destroyed by peasant uprisings.

▲Yutate Kagura will be held at shrines in Kamimura and Minami Shinano, Iida City.

▲Each of four types differs in the number of kettles, hot water, number of surfaces, composition, and type of instrument.

Currently, the event is held at eight shrines in December with different days, and their characteristics vary depending on the region, and are divided into four types (systems).

It was originally held at Hachiman Shrine, but since the mid-Edo period, it has now spread to shrines in various villages in Toyama-go, such as Suwa Shrine and Kumano Shrine. From the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period, the gods and high gods in the village began to be dedicated one after another, and the festival transformed into a festival that called for the blessing of the gods. After the war, elements of the people's enjoyment will also be added.
Recently, children who have learned dance at local elementary and junior high schools have actively participated in the festival. There is also a movement for young people to support the festival.
"I think if this festival, which can be said to be fostering a local identity, will suddenly fade away, the vitality of the region. There are concerns about a declining birthrate and an aging population, but the continued existence of the festival is proof that the region is healthy," says Sakurai.

Shioiri Homichi, head priest of Shinano Kokubunji (left)
Kanai Noboru (right) Vice-chairman of the Yokkado Festival Task Force Committee, Shinano Kokubunji Reconstruction Association

The Yokkado Festival is held every year on January 7th and 8th. Daruma City and street stalls line the area, and many visitors from within and outside the prefecture visit the shrine for the first time in the year. The "Somin Shoraifu" is amulet that is distributed at this time, which prays for the warding of evil, elimination of epidemics, and prosperity of descendants. There are two types: one that will be prepared at the temple and one that will be called "Sumin Ko" with illustrations of the Seven Lucky Gods, made by local people, and many people are looking for it.

▲Head Priest Shiori explains with a copy of "Yakkado Fairy Map" in hand. Already since the Edo period Nagano In the northern part of the prefectureIiyama CityIt is said that they have visited from far away, such as Kita Gunma.

"Apart from the three-story pagoda of Shinano Kokubunji, the origin of the Yokkado festival, is unknown, as there are no historical documents left, but it is estimated that with the development of the monetary economy, the city naturally emerged and adopted the folk belief in the Sumin Future True. The changes in the shape of the Sumin Future True are not clear, but the world has settled down in the Edo period, and farmers have the opportunity to make Sumin Future True, and the shape has been developed into an elaborate three-dimensional shape."

This is what Shioiri Homichi, head priest of Shinano Kokubunji.

▲They are mainly hand-made into hexagonal pillars, and letters and patterns are written in red and ink, and then prayers are distributed at the main hall before the festival.

Ancient documents that describe the past states retain the names of 35 houses of Suminko, and according to Kanai, it is estimated that most of the area was Suminko in the Edo period. The tradition of painting has been passed down from generation to generation, and Kanai also works hard to create Esumin using techniques inherited from his father.

"It's surprising because you draw in ink without any sketches, but the pictures of the Seven Lucky Gods are clearly contained in your mind so you can naturally draw them. Some of Sumin's lecturers add pictures of Olympic emblems and bullet trains depending on the social situation," says Kanai.

"They's white wood is not noticeable, and they are soft and easy to process, and literature written in the 15th century shows that they use willow trees for Sumin Future True. However, in recent years there has been a shortage of willow trees that grow naturally in the mountains, so in 1993, with the cooperation of the Ueda Forestry Station at the time, they formed a union, and planted about 30,000 seedlings in the local mountains. Many people say that the year has not started unless they ask for Sumin Future True True for New Year. Recently, it has been featured in the media, and some people come from the metropolitan area to buy them. In order to meet this sentiment, we would like to continue to distribute them while maintaining traditions." (Head Priest Shioiri)