A thorough introduction! [Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine] The Shinto rituals "Ushigae Shinto Ritual" and "Onisube" held on January 7th <How to participate>

If you live in Fukuoka, you should definitely experience it up close!

We will introduce two Shinto rituals that are held every New Year at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.

Every January 7th! Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine's New Year's Ceremonies "Ushikae" and "Onisube" (Dazaifu City)

Every year on January 7th, two Shinto rituals are held at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: the Usokae Shinto ritual, in which lies unwittingly told are replaced with sincerity, and the Onisube Shinto ritual, a fire festival that prays for the warding off of disasters and the bringing of good fortune.

Let's introduce each one.

The "Ushigae Shinto Ritual" turns lies into truth!

Every year on January 7th, from 6pm, the "Ushigae Shinto Ritual" is held at Tenjin Square within the shrine grounds, where lies are replaced with truth.

The wooden carving "Uso" is a popular souvenir from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. It is said that this ritual began because the name of the bird "Uso" (uso), which has a deep connection with Sugawara no Michizane, is similar to the word "lie" that we use in our daily lives.

Image: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

In our daily lives, we often unknowingly say things that are not true or lie to ourselves...This Shinto ritual replaces all such "lies" with Tenjin-sama's "sincere heart."

The ritual begins at 6:00 p.m. and takes place in pure darkness.

Participants will receive their wooden carved "Kiuso" (wooden orb) from around 4 pm on the day and begin preparations. At a signal, they will exchange the kiuso they are holding one after another, calling out to those around them, "Let's exchange, let's exchange."

The wooden bush warbler that remains with you at the end of the ritual is proof that your lie has turned into truth, and you can take it home as a good luck charm.

Some of the wooden egrets can also be exchanged for the lucky "golden egret." The wait for the announcement is sure to be a lot of fun.

<Summary of the "Ushigae Shinto Ritual">
Venue: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Tenjin Square (4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
Date: Every year on January 7th from 6pm
First offering: 2,000 yen
Parking: Available (paid)
How to participate: Please receive the "Kokuuso" at the venue from around 4pm on the day of the event.

The spectacular fire festival "Onisube Shinji"

After the Usugae ritual, the Onisube ritual, which is said to have begun in 986, is held at the Onisube Hall on the shrine grounds. It is held to pray for the warding off of disasters and the bringing of good fortune in the new year.

Image: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Shortly after 7pm on January 7th, approximately 500 parishioners split into their respective roles (smoker, torch bearer, demon guard, demon attendant) and, yelling "Demon, demon!", proceed from Dazaifu Station along the approach to the shrine, across the Taiko Bridge, and into the shrine grounds.

After receiving a purification ceremony in front of the Romon Torii gate, the climax of the festival will be at the Onisubedo funeral hall around 9pm.

Image: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

The highlight is the moment when the piles of pine needles and straw are lit. Amidst the flames and smoke that suddenly explode, the fierce battle for the demon unfolds, creating a truly spectacular sight.

Image: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

In the end, the demon is successfully defeated by the priest and a representative of the parishioners.

This impressive ritual can be seen from in front of Dazaifu Station and along the approach to the shrine (there are restrictions on viewing from the Onisube Festival Grounds for safety reasons).*For more details, please check the official website of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.

<Outline of the Onisube Shinto Ritual>
Venue: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Onisuedo (4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
Date: January 7th every year
Parking: Available (paid)
HP: https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/archives/1478 (linkFrom here）

Why not try to visit the Usagi Kae Ritual and the Onisube Ritual this year? On the day, the surrounding roads will be congested and traffic restrictions will be in place, so we recommend using public transportation. (Text by ARNE Editorial Department)

*This article contains information current at the time of publication.
* Any secondary use of the content of this site (images, text, etc.) such as duplication, reproduction, diversion, modification, etc. without permission is strictly prohibited. If found to be in violation, legal action may be taken.

#go out Check them all out!
#Dazaifu　#Shrines and temples　#event
⇒【NEW】Click here for the latest information on Fukuoka

＜Other articles you may like＞
◆Easy and delicious! Popular recipes
◆Recommended by a hot spring sommelier! Day trip hot springs near Fukuoka
◆[Every Sunday] Evelourdes Haruka's Mind Number Fortune Telling