HYOGO, Jan 06 (News On Japan) –
In Kami Town, Hyogo Prefecture, a conventional ritual praying for well being and a bountiful harvest by blackening faces and worshipping the ‘Mountain Deity’ was held.
Boys had been seen smearing ink on one another’s faces through the occasion.
This conventional New Year ritual, believed to have originated within the Muromachi interval, has been handed down within the Okiura district of Kami Town. Participants provide prayers for well being and good harvests to the ‘Mountain Deity.’
“We have a big festival for the Mountain Deity,” stated the boys collaborating within the occasion.
As the deity is believed to be a jealous lady, solely males with ink-covered faces are allowed to participate within the ritual. Participants carry choices as they march solemnly by the world.
After strolling about one kilometer, 15 boys arrived on the shrine, the place they clasped their arms collectively in prayer to the Mountain Deity.
Source: KTV NEWS