Niinamesai (Harvest Ritual)
Seasonal EventsWhat Is Niinamesai?
November 23 is the day the Niinamesai ritual is held at the Imperial Court. According to the Imperial Household Agency, it is a ritual in which His Majesty the Emperor offers newly harvested grain to the imperial ancestors and other deities at the Shinkaden Hall, gives thanks for their blessings, and then partakes of the grain himself. It is regarded as the most important of the regular rituals held at the Imperial Court.
Features of Niinamesai
The Imperial Household Agency's list of major rituals describes Niinamesai as follows.
- Offering new grain: Newly harvested grain is offered to the imperial ancestors and other deities.
- Thanks for divine blessings: After giving thanks for the blessings of the deities, His Majesty the Emperor also partakes of the new grain himself.
- Grain grown by the Emperor himself: New grain that His Majesty the Emperor has grown himself is also offered.
- The most important regular ritual: It is regarded as the most important of the regular rituals held at the Imperial Court.
How It Differs from Kannamesai in October
The Imperial Household Agency's list of major rituals also includes Kannamesai on October 17, a ritual of thanksgiving in which new grain is offered at the Kashikodokoro, and on that morning His Majesty the Emperor worships the Grand Shrine of Ise from afar at the Shinkaden Hall.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Read the list of major court rituals on the Imperial Household Agency's website
- Enjoy this year's newly harvested rice and be mindful of gratitude for food
- Look up the differences between similarly named traditional rituals, such as Niinamesai and Kannamesai
- Learn about the autumn festivals held at your local shrine
A Traditional Ritual of Thanks for the Harvest
Niinamesai is a court ritual in which new grain is offered to the deities in thanks for their blessings. Why not make November 23 a day to remember gratitude for the harvest and our daily meals?