About "Ennen no Mai" on the poster
Jogyodo Hatsukayasai at Motsuji Temple
On the night of January 20, amidst severe cold falling snow, a
festival marking the end of he Shushoe ceremony is held at the Jogyodo
Hall. The Shusho-ceremony is a 20-day supplication period in which the
Buddhist priests pray for the well-being of the country in the new
year. In the evening the priests hold a memorial service for the souls
of the departed - a ceremony descended from the ancient priest Jikaku
Daishi. The visitors, who come to pray for good health, are ushered in
when the holy fire for invocation is lit. Later outside the Hall, the
ceremony of Somin, in which naked men run around carrying torches,
brings the festival to a climax. When this fervor has subsided
somewhat, the priests perform a special dance called the "Ennen no Mai".
lcws95@kekvax.kek.jp Feb. 25, 1995