Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri
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What Is the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri?
The Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri is a festival held each year around December 17th at Wakamiya Shrine, an auxiliary shrine of Kasuga Taisha in Nara. It is said to have been started in 1136 by the regent Fujiwara no Tadamichi and, despite periods of postponement and suspension, has been revived each time and carried on for over 870 years. In 1979 its ritual performing arts were designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
From a Midnight Transfer to a Midday Procession
December 17th runs from the small hours to late at night. At midnight, the Senko-no-gi transfers the Wakamiya deity to the temporary shrine; from noon, the Owatari-shiki procession winds through Nara.
- Where: Wakamiya Shrine, an auxiliary shrine of Kasuga Taisha, Nara
- Origin: said to have been founded in 1136 by the regent Fujiwara no Tadamichi
- Senko-no-gi: held at midnight on December 17th, with all lighting and all photography or filming forbidden
- Owatari-shiki: a procession from noon, with performers making their way around Nara Park
- Otabisho-sai: from 2:30 p.m. into the night, kagura, bugaku and other ancient arts are dedicated
A Rite Performed Without Lights
Visitors may watch the midnight transfer, but any lighting -- including light from digital devices -- and all photography and filming are forbidden. People carrying torches and incense purify the path ahead, and attendants call out a continuous warning cry of "wo-o-o" as the Wakamiya deity is carried to the temporary shrine.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Look up what kagura and bugaku, the arts dedicated here, actually involve
- Read how a festival running over 870 years has been sustained locally
- Find out whether your own area has a festival centuries old
- Research winter sights around Nara Park and sketch out a trip
The Tradition of Carrying On
Despite periods of postponement and suspension, the On-Matsuri has been revived each time and has continued for more than 870 years. December 17th shows a particular form of tradition -- one where simply carrying on is itself the achievement.