Aizen Festival愛染祭り
The Aizen Festival, held annually at Aizen Temple from June 30th to July 2nd, venerates Aizen Myo-o, the Buddhist deity associated with love and good fortune. This festival boasts a rich history spanning over 1400 years and ranks as one of Japan's most ancient summer celebrations. In its early days, the festival centered around rituals to ward off food poisoning and diseases, prevalent and widespread during that era, with the community uniting in prayers for good health and fortune.
One of the festival's highlights occurs on the festival's only day when the public can access Aizen-san's pagoda and view the revered Dainichi-Daishou statue, dating back to 1597. The festival draws hundreds of visitors who revel in the lively atmosphere, relishing popular festival treats and partaking in various games. Additionally, for many in Osaka, the Aizen Festival marks the beginning of the yukata-wearing season.
Highlights
Hoekago and Aizen Musume
A significant festival event, "Hoekago," unfolds on June 30th, harking back to a centuries-old tradition where geisha are transported in ornate palanquins from specific districts to temples or shrines during festivals. During the Edo Period, these parades were splendid affairs, attracting people from far and wide eager to catch a glimpse of the elegant geisha. Today, while Hoekago Parades may still feature a few geisha, committees typically select the participants through a competitive recruitment process, known as the Aizen Musume selection process. The young women who ride in the palanquin during Aizen Matsuri are referred to as Aizen Musume.
Nagoshi no Harae
Another integral aspect of the festival is "Nagoshi no Harae", during which people visit Shinto shrines to purify themselves of sins and pray for good health and well-being. Aizen Temple, despite being a Buddhist institution, conducts a special prayer service on this day alongside the Shinto shrines. This unique feature underscores the deep integration of these two religions and their significance in the lives of the Japanese people.
Venue
- Aizendo Shomanin ⎯ 愛染堂勝鬘院
Address
5-36 Yuhigaokacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0075, Japan
Getting There
- 4 minutes walk from Shitennōji-mae Yūhigaoka Station (四天王寺前夕陽ヶ丘駅)
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