May all the people be in peace. 合掌

Introduction

Kigensai festival (紀元祭) is a ritual to celebrate the foundation of Japan. According to Nihon Shoki,『日本書記』 (The Chronicles of Japan), the oldest official history book compiled based on Japanese mythology in the 8th century, Emperor Jinmu (神武天皇) gave birth to Chrysanthemum throne and became the 1st emperor of Japan in 660 B.C. ad Kashihara no Miya palace, a place known as Kashihara Jingu shrine today. 2026 marked Koki (Japanese Imperial year )2,686(皇紀二千六百八十六年).

In this article, I introduce his odyssey narrated in the chronicles , Kashihara Jingu shrine, and its Kigen Sai festival to you.

『日本書記』の記述

Nihon Shoki describes: 辛酉年春正月庚辰朔 天皇即帝位於橿原宮是歳爲天皇元年

The sentence tells us that emperor Jimmu acceded to the Imperial throne at Kashihara no Miya palace in the spring of a year of Kanotori.

七里ヶ浜親方

Kanotori is one of ancient ways of express years. It’s not unique like 2021 D.C. We had lots of Kanotori years. For example, 600 B.C. is also a year of Kanotori.

And the book also narrates his reign lasted 76 years.

It is the way of Nihon Shoki. It shows us the years of accession of every emperor or empress and their reigns. Thanks to this way of description, we can know the year of emperor Jinmu’s accession.

七里ヶ浜親方

The last emperor(actually she was an empress) in Nihon Shoki is emperess Jitoh. We can know the year of her accession owing to other history books. We can also find the year of accession and the reign of her predecessor. Taking these process, we can go back, on a predecessor to predecessor basis, to find the year of accession of emperor Jiumu in the end.

シカさん

 His accession took place in 660 B.C.

お福さん

Interested in Nihon Shoki?  Check the archive of National Diet Library digital collection.

In Meiji era (1872), Meiji government decided that the accession of emperor Jinmu is the foundation of Japan. 660 B.C. is the first year.

シカさん

Imperial period, like Reiwa, started on the same year.

お福さん

Reiwa 3 (2021) is 皇紀二千六百八十一年(Koki 2681). To know Koki, add 660 to a year of the Gregorian calendar.

The odyssey of Emperor Jinmu神武天皇即位までの経緯

North by North East 生誕から東征まで

His odyssey is so long. In this chapter, I’ll tell you some of important stories.

According to the first chapter of Nihon Shoki, his name is Kamiyamatonoiwa Arehiko no Sumera Mikoto(神日本磐余彦天皇).

げきすせん

It is believed that a highly educated court noble gave the name “Emperor Jimnu” to Kamiyamatonoiwa Arehiko no Sumera Mikoto  in the 8th century.

ドラゴン船

Jinmu is an Imina of Kamiyamatonoiwa Arehiko no Sumera Mikoto. In ancient times, it was rude to call emperors by their real names. People called them by Imina instead.

He is a great grandson of Ninigi no Mikoto (瓊瓊杵尊). Ninigi no Mikoto was born in Takamagahara/Takaamahara, the place where Deities of Japanese mythology live,  located up above the world. Its ruler is Amaterasu Ohmikami (天照大神), the Deity of the sun, and Ninigi is a grandson of Amaterasu.

Ninigi descend to Ashihara Nakatsukuni (葦原中国), or ancient Japan, to rule it.

When Emperor Jinmu was 45 years-old, he departed Hyuga, his birth place, for Yamato no Kuni (Known as Nara today) with the intention to build a capital and to rule Ashihana Nakatsukuni.

Yata Garasu 八咫烏

He left Hyuga with his brothers and his army for Usa (Oita). Then he headed for Yamato no Kuni by way of Setonai Kai sea. They reached Kumano (Wakayama) and got lost. When they were at a loss for their way to take, Amaterasu Ohmikami sent Yatagarasu (八咫烏) for them. Yatagarasu is a big crow with three legs. It leaded them to the way to Yoshino (and Yamato no Kuni).

Kinshi 金鵄

When they reaced Yamato no Kuni, they fought with a ruler of a region of it. They struggle with them in the toughest battle field they have ever experienced. In addition to it, the sky got dark and it started to hail.  Then, all of a sudden, Kinshi (金鵄), the golden black kite, appeared out of nowhere to rested at the bow which emperor Jinmu had and emit the rays of light. They were terrifying enough to make the enemies surrendered. After they won the fight, they managed to make surrender Yamto no Kuni itself. Emperor Jinmu constructed a palace called Kashiyara no Miya (橿原宮) at the foot of Mt. Unebi and he acceded there. The foundation of Japan was completed.

At the enthronement ceremony, there are banners like those. Before WWII, some of them has embroidered Yatagarasu and Kinshi. Today they are omitted due to the separation of country and religion.

お福さん

These photos of Yatagarasu and Kinshi are file holders they are printed on.

What is Kashihara Jingu? 橿原神宮概説

Kashihara Jingu shrine was constructed on the palace Kashihara no Miya used to be located in 1890 on people’s demand. Emperor Meiji donated buildings of Kashiko Dokoro (A shrine where Amaterasu Ohmikami was enshrined. ) and Shinkaden (A building where rituals to be held.)

The grave of Empero Jinmu are located near there.

Kigen sai of Kashihara Jingu shrine 橿原神宮紀元祭の様子

Introduction 概説

Kigen sai of Kashihara Jingu shrine starts at 11:00 a.m. It takes about one and a half hours.

This is Naihaiden where emperor Jinmu is enshrined. We can attend the rituals under the white roofs with a reservation in advance.

たけちよ

Check the websitr of Kashiyara Jingu shrine(in Japnese only)。

Tyokushi arrives 勅使参列

At 11:00, the priests arrives at Naihaiden.

After them, Chokushi (勅使) also arrives at Naihaiden. Chokushi is a messenger of emperor. Kashihara Jingu is one of Chokusai Sha. Chokusai Sha has a previlage to welcome Chokushi. For example, Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines are Chokusai sha.

And Aoi Matsuri festival is held by both of them and it welcomes Chokushi.

シカさん

Emperor sends Chokushi to some places which are not Chokusai sha. For example, His Imperial Majesty sends him to Goshichinichi Mishiho ritual of Toji temple because the ritual used to be held in the Imperial Court.

After Chokushi, the box covered with green cloth also enters Naihaiden.

緑色の布がかかった箱は唐櫃（からびつ）とよばれる、調度品などを入れる箱です。

The box is called Karabitsu(唐櫃). It contains the Yanai Bako (柳筥) box in the photo. In side Yanai Bako, there are scrolls of cloth called Goshiki no Ashiginu(五色絁). They are the gifts from emperor Naruhito.

National anthem 国家斉唱

When the ritual is prepared, we sing National anthem, Kimigayo (Emperor’s regin)

Kagura dedication 神楽奉納

The priestess dedicates Kagura performance to emperor Jinmu.

Martial arts dedication 神賑行事

Japanese martial arts are also dedicated.

The grave of emperor Jinmu 神武天皇陵参拝

The grave of emperor Jinmu is located near Kashihara Jingu shrine. It takes around 30 minutes walk.

Access to Kashihara Jingu shrine 橿原神宮へのアクセス

About 10 minutes walk from Kintetsu Kashjhara Jingu Mae station.

Parking lots for about 800 cars.

Parking fee:

大型車 2,000円/日（ Over 2.645m in height）
中型車 1,000円/日（Over 2.285m in height）
普通車　 500円/日（Over 2.285m in height）

The fee is added every 24 hrs.

About Kashihara Jingu shrine 橿原神宮基本情報

On 30th April 2019, Emperor Akihito gave up his throne. On the very next day, Naruhito, his son and former crown prince, acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne and became the 126th Emperor of Japan (Senso) and the new era Reiwa started.

And Emperor Naruhito declares his accession on 22th October 2019. (Sokui no Rei)

In this article, we learn the role of the Emperor of Japan.

When a crown prince acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne, there are important 3 ceremonies to be held.

1. Senso no gi 践祚の儀
2. Sokui no Rei 即位の礼
3. Daijo Sai 大嘗祭

Who is Tenno Heika, the Emperor of Japan?

The Emperor of Japan is called “Tenno Heika (天皇陛下)” in modern Japanese. “Tenno” is a Sino-Japanese pronunciation of 天皇. The Kanji is pronounced “Sumera Mikoto” in Yamato Kotoba, the old Japanese language. “Heika (陛下)” means “His Majesty.”

The meaning of “Sumera Mikoto” sometimes leads us to controversy. So we only focus on the word “Mikoto” in this article.

In ancient times, “Mikoto” meant “To rein a particular world on the words of Deities.” The word reveals that Sumera Mikoto has a right to rein and to hold rituals to listen to the words.

Therefore, in Japanese mythology, Ninigi no Mikoto, an ancestor Tenno, descended to the earth by the order of Amaterasu Ohmikami, the most important Deity in Shinto.

When he (Ninigi no Mikoto) left Takamagahara, the place Japanese Deities lived in, she (Amaterasu Ohomikami) gave him three regalia to him. They called “Sanshu no Jingi”, or the Japanese Imperial regalia. They are integral parts of the rituals the Emperor holds.

What is Sanshu no Jingi, the Japanese Imperial regalia?

Yata no Kagami

Yata no Kagami is a mirror. When Amaterasu Ohmikami gave it to Ninigi no Mikoto, she said, “This mirror is nothing but my soul.” The most significant Sansyu no Jingi.

The genuine one is enshrined in Ise Jingu shrine. The replica of it is in Karabitsu container and enshrined in Kashiko Dokoro hall in the Imperial Palace.

Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi

Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi is a sword. It is a sword for rituals and not arms. In Japan, people believe sword is something sacred.

The genuine one is enshrined in Atsuta Jingu shrine.The replica of it is in a box and placed in Kenji no Ma hall in the Imperial Palace.

Yasakani no Magatama

Yasakani no Magatama is a stone. The genuine one is in a box and placed in Kenji no Ma hall in the Imperial house.

Senso no Gi 践祚の儀

Senso means “enthronement.” Gi means “ceremony.” No” means “of.” So, Senso no gi is roughly translated “A ceremony of enthronement. It consists of four ceremonies; Kenjito Shokei no Gi, Kasikodokoro no Gi, Koreiden Shinden ni Hokoku no Gi, and Sokui go Choken no Gi.

Kenjito Shokei no Gi 剣璽等承継の儀

Overview

This is the most important ceremony. “Kenjito” means “Kenji and the other things.” The new emperor inherits Kenji and Gyoji and Kokuji.

What is Kenji?

Kenji is two of three “Sansu no Jingi.” Sanshu no Jingi are; Yata no Kagami, Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi. and Yasakani no Magatama.

The crown prince inherits them from his father to became Tennno.

Now he has two of three regalia. Why he does not inherit the rest of them, “Yata no Kagami?”

As I said previously, Yata no Kagami is “enshrined” at Kashiko Dokoro hall. It is enshrined in the hall and the new emperor has no need to inherit it. All he has to do is to hold ritual for it. On the other hand, the other two regalia are not enshrined but just placed in Kenji no Ma hall. They belong to the current Tenno and are something to be inherited.

After this ceremony, the crown prince has Sanshu no Jingi, the Japanese Imperial Regalia and enthronement is completed. Now he is Sumera Mikoto who has a right to To rein a particular world on the words of Deities.

The other things to be inherited

Gyoji and Kokuji

Gyoji is “In” (something like a name stamp Japanese people use as signature) of emperor and Kokuji is “In” of Japan.

Kasikodokoro no Gi 賢所の儀

In Kashikodokoro hall in the Imperial house, the enthronement is reported to Amaterasu Ohomikami.

Koreiden Shinden ni Hokoku no Gi 皇霊殿神殿に奉告の儀

In Koreiden hall and Shinden hall, the enthronement is reported to all the ancestors of the emperor and all the Deities individually.

Sokui go Choken no Gi 即位後朝見の儀

At Imperial Palace, the enthronement is reported to government officials such as the heads of the three powers and local representatives.

On 30th April 2019, Emperor Akihito gave up his throne. On the very next day, Naruhito, his son and former crown prince, acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne and became the 126th Emperor of Japan (Senso) and the new era Reiwa started.

And Emperor Naruhito declares his accession on 22th October 2019. (Sokui no Rei)

When a crown prince acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne, there are important 3 ceremonies to be held.

1. Senso no gi 践祚の儀
2. Sokui no Rei 即位の礼
3. Daijo Sai 大嘗祭

What is Daijosai? 大嘗祭とは？

Daijosai is the first Niinamesai the Emperor holds in his rein. Daijosai consists of Daijyokyu no Gi (大嘗宮の儀) and Daikyo no Gi (大饗の儀). The former is far important.

Niinamesai is a ritual held in every year in Shinkaden hall in the Imperial Place in Tokyo. In the ritual, the Emperor, as the highest-ranked Shinto priest, serve the rice and other crops and foods to a Deity (or Deities), and he eats the same kind of food as the Deity (or Deities) did. Daijosai is the same kind of ritual as Niinamesai.

How does Daijosai take place? 大嘗祭はどのように行われるのか

Saiden Tentei no Gi　斎田定点の儀

On 13th March 2019, Saiden Tentei ni Gi took place in the Imperial Palace. In this ritual, priests decide where Yuki (the estern part of the archipelago) and Suki (the weastern part) region are. The Emperor uses the rice harvested there in Daijyosai.

Their decision depends on Kiboku (亀卜) fortune telling. In this ritual, the priests put plates made of sea turtle shell over fire. Then, the shell get crack to indicates Yuki and Suki region. The ritual is not open to public and we have no exact idea what it is. All we can know is it is a ritual found in Taiho Ritsuryo, the compilation of law enacted in 701.

The Kiboku decided Yuki is Takanezawa in Tochigi prefecture and Suki is Nantan in Kyoto prefecture. At the same time, rice paddy called Yukiden and Sukiden individually.

Nukiho no Gi 抜穂の儀

On 27th September 2019, Nukiho no Gi took place in both Yukiden (悠紀田) and Sukiden (主基田) to harvest rice served for Daijyokyu no Gi.

How does Daijokyu no Gi take place? 大嘗の儀はどのように行われるのか

What is Daijyokyu? 大嘗とは？

Daijyokyu no Gi is the most important ritual in Daijosai.

Daijyokyu is a building complex temporary constructed for Daijyosai. On July 2019, the construction of Daijyokyu of Reiwa era started.

The integral part of Daijyokyu is Yukiden (悠紀殿) and Sukiden (主基殿). They sound the same as Yukiden and  Sukiden rice paddies but differ in meaning and Kanji. 田 means rice paddy and 殿 means hall/building. Both of the building has the same construction.

Yukiden Kyosen no Gi 悠紀殿供饌の儀

Yukiden Kyosen no Gi is a significant ritual as Sukiden Kyosen no Gi which takes place after Yukiden Kyosen no Gi. It is a ritual to welcome Amaterasu Ohomikami, the most admired Deity in Shinto and the ancestor of the emperor.

It will takes palace like this

1. Around 18:30 on 14th November, the emperor will enter Yukiden. Inside of Yukiden, there is Obusuma, a place to sleep (Tatami mat and blanket). It is a pale where Amaterasu Ohomikami stays. Beside it, there are mats called Goza and Shinza. The emperor will be seated on Goza to serve rice harvested in Yukiden and Sukiden and other foods to Amaterasu Ohmikami on Shinza. He also serve Sake called Kuroki and Shiroki to her.
2. He will read out Otsugebumi to show his gratitude for the peace of our country and good harvest to her.
3. He will eats the same food as she did.

Sukiden Kyosen no Gi 主基殿供饌の儀

Sukiden Kyosen no Gi will take place around 0:30 on 15th November. In this ritual, the emperor will do the same things as he did in Yukiden Kyosen no Gi. It is a ritual to see off Amaterasu Ohomikami.

Daikyo no Gi 大饗の儀とは？

Daikyo no Gi is a party. The Emperor and guests enjoy the meal including rice harvested in Yukiden and Sukiden. It will be held on 16th and 18th November.

On 30th April 2019, Emperor Akihito gave up his throne. On the very next day, Naruhito, his son and former crown prince, acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne and became the 126th Emperor of Japan (Senso) and the new era Reiwa started.

And Emperor Naruhito is to declare his accession on 22th October 2019. (Sokui no Rei)

In this article, we learn the meanings of these enthronement ceremonies.

When a crown prince acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne, there are important 3 ceremonies to be held.

1. Senso no gi 践祚の儀
2. Sokui no Rei 即位の礼
3. Daijo Sai 大嘗祭

Sokuirei 即位礼

Sokuirei consists of three ceremonies;

1. Kashikodokoro ni Kijitsu Houkoku no Gi
2. Sokuirei Tojitsu Kashikodokoro Ohmae no Gi
3. Sokui Seiden no Gi.

Kashikodokoro ni Kijitsu Houkoku no Gi 賢所に期日奉告の儀

Prior to Skuirei and Daijosai, the dates they take palce are decided. With the Japanese Imperial Regalia, the new Emperor announces them to Amaterasu Ohomikami through Yata no Kagami in Kashiko Dokoro hall.

After Kashiko Dokoro hall, he announces the same things to ancestors at Koreiden hall and all the Deities in Shinden hall.

Sokuirei Tojitsu Kashikodokoro Ohmae no Gi 即位礼当日賢所大前の儀

On the very day of Sokuirei, with the Japanese Imperial Regalia, the new Emperor reports his accession to the Imperial Throne to Amaterasu through Yata no Kagami Ohmikami in Kashiko Dokoro hall.

Sokuirei Seiden no Gi 即位礼正殿の儀

History of Sokuirei Seide no Gi

The new Emperor declares that his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne was completed at Sokui no Rei. Today, it is called Sokuirei Seiden no Gi.

In ancient Japan, Both of them took place at the same time. When Emperor Kanmu succeeded to the throne, They were separated.

Shoku Nihongi, a Japanese history book compiled by the Imperial court, describes: Emperor Kanmu succeeded to the Chrysanthemum Throne due to the abdication of his father. On April 3rd of 781, he ascended to the throne. On 15th, he announced his ascension to the throne at Daigokuden of Heiankyo City. (The photo is of Heinajingu, a replica of Daigokuden of Heian kyo.) In 1177 Daigokuden was caught by fire and burned out completely. This is the last time Heiankyo city saw it. Since then, it was never rebuilt again. After the incident, Sokui no Rei took place at a building of government office. Around Edo period, it is held at Shishinden in the Imperial Palace in Kyoto.

By the end of Edo period, Sokui no Rei was in an ancient Chinese style.

In 802, Emperor Saga decided to wear Konben Jyunisho, an outfit of China. The Emperors wore it by the Sokui no Rei in 1847. Kon of Konben means dragons with a curved neck embroidered on the vermilion coat. Ben of Konben means the crown the figurine wears.

Today, Sokui Seiden no Rei is held in “Seiden Matsu no Ma” in the Imperial Palace. The Emperor is in an outfit called “Onsokutai.” “On” is a prefix which means respect for someone. Actually, he is on “Sokutai” called “Kourozenn no Goho.” This garment is dyed in Korozan color only allowed for the Emperor.

The Empress is in Itsutsu Ginu Karaginumo, also known as Jyuni Hitoe.

After Sokuirei Tojitsu Kasikodokoro Ohmae no Gi, the Emperor enters Seiden Matsu no Ma with the Empress and get into “Takamikura” and “Michodai” individually. (The photo describes the Sokui no Rei in Heian period.)

And the new Emperor declares his accession to the Imperial Throne and pray for the world peace.

Then, the prime minster of Japan felicitates his accession on behalf of us and makes Banzai Sansyo.

Banzai is an act to congratulate something of someone.  A person says “Banzai” loud raising their both hands. Banzai is a word of abstract. In this case, “Long live the Emperor!”  When we do Banzai Sansyo, we do this three times.

 The whole sentence Emperor Naruhito declared at the Sokuirei Seiden no Gi held on 22th October

“Previously, I acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne on the Constitution and the act of Special measure on concerning the Imperial Household law.

Today, I hold Sokuirei Seiden no Gi and declare my enthronement to the world.

During over thirty years of his rein, Emperor Emeritus Akihito always desired the happiness of people and the peace of the world. Showing my respect for his compassion, I also hope that Japanese people and the world in happiness and peace. I swear that I fulfill my duty as the symbol of the state and of the unity of Japanese people. I sincerely hope that Japanese people will make great contributions with their wisdom on the prosperity of our country and the international community.”

Takamikura 高御座

“Nihon Shoki”, the second-oldest book on Japanese history, indicates Takamikura used to be a place on a huge rock where the ancestors of the Royal family were enshrined. The emperors inherited their throne there to confirm their status as a ruler: As described in the article on Senso, Ninigi no Mikoto, their ancestor, descended to Japan as a ruler by the order of Amaterasu Ohmikami in Japanese mythology,

Takamikura was used in an enthronement ceremony at least in the 8th century. It has an octagon-shaped roof which has 8 pillars. In Japanese mythology, the archipelago is referred as “Ohyashimakuni (大八島国/大八州国)” which means “A country consists of 8 islands. The octagon roof stands for Japan.

Its roof has Ho Oh on Each corner and at the top. Ho Oh is an imaginary bird in ancient China. It is believed to bring us good luck. (The photo is Ho Oh of Kinkakuji temple.)

Inside of Takamikura, there are seat and three small tables called “An”. In an enthronement ceremony, a new emperor seats on the seat and Jiju (a person serves the emperor) put Kusanagi no Tsurugi, Yasakani no Magatama, Kokuji, and Gyoji on these tables.

Takamikura is usually placed in Shishinden of Kyoto Imperial place. Around one year ago, GSDF helicopter brought it to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Michodai 御帳台

Michodai looks almost the same as Takamikura. It is for an empress and little smaller than Takamikura. It also is placed in Shishinden of Kyoto Imperial palace.

Bans 旛

Overview

The photo shows us the Sokui Rei of Emperor Meiji. The Sokui Seiden no Rei of Emperor Akihito was held in almost the same fashion. In front of Seiden Matsu no Ma, attendee seated seated themselves on small chairs. There were eleven banners hanging on Hoko behind them.

Take a look at the photo. There are spears. They are Hoko. Hoko They are not arms. When something sacred, like ritual, is held, hoko are sometimes placed in shrines and temples for the purpose of giving it to dignity.

The Hoko in the photo have short bans in individually. In Sokui Seiden no Rei, bans are placed in the same way.

The following are examples of the banners.

Banzai ban 萬歳旛

Banzai ban was made of Zuiun-cloud woven silk. Each of them had letters 萬歳 (Banzai) were embroidered on it. They stood for eternal peace.

Nissho Toban 日像纛旛

Nisho Toban was made of Zuiun-cloud woven silk and had an embroidery represented the sun. It stood for the universe.

Gessho Toban 月像纛旛

Gessho Toban was made of Zuiun-cloud woven silk and had an embroidery represented the moon. It also stood for the universe as Nissho Toban does.

Kikkasho Dai Kinban 菊花章大錦旛

Kikkasho Dai Kinban were made of Zuiun-cloud woven red (the right one) white (the left one) silk. Each of them had a golden chrysanthemum-crest embroidery which stood for the Imperial House of Japan.

Kikkasho Dai Kinban has the same Zuiun-cloud in these photos.

Kikkasho Chu Kinban 菊花章中錦旛

Kikkasho Chu Kinban were made of Zuiun-cloud woven silk and shorter than Kikkasho Dai Kinban. Each of them had a golden chrysanthemum-crest embroidery which stood for the Imperial House of Japan.There were 5 colors of them; Blue, yellow, red, white and purple ones.

Kikkasho Sho Kinban 菊花章小錦旛

Kikkasho Sho Kinban were made of Zuiun-cloud woven silk and shorter than Kikkasho Dai KInban. Each of them had a golden chrysanthemum-crest embroidery which stood for the Imperial House of Japan.There were 5 colors of them; Blue, yellow, red, white and purple ones.

Hoko 桙

Hoko had small banners made of Zuiun-cloud woven silk. It had embroidered Tomoe Mon crest. (The banners in the photo don’t have Tomoe Mon because they are those of Mikage Matsuri.)

Drums 太鼓

Sho 鉦

Sho is a drum hanging on a fire-shaped frame. When it was stricken, the attendees stood or sit on seats. (The Sho is in the photo is not the one for Sokui Seiden no Gi.)

Ko 鼓

Sho is a drum hanging on a fire-shaped frame and smaller than Sho. When it was stricken, the attendees bowed. (The Ko is in the photo is not the one for Sokui Seiden no Gi.)

Bibliography

神社本庁『御代替りー平成から新しい御代へ－』　神社本庁　2019年

中澤伸弘『宮中祭祀ー連綿と続く天皇の祈りー』展転社　2010年

「皇室の20世紀」編集部　『図説　天皇家のしきたり案内』小学館　2011年

Prior to Emperor Akihito’s abdication, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga annonced that new Imperial period/era will be Reiwa (令和) at the press conference. In this article, what does the the word mean to us and a history of Japanese regnal period. 合掌

What does Reiwa mean?

Manyoshu 万葉集

“The word Reiwa was chosen the words in The Manyoshu (『万葉集』). 令 means felicity and 和 means harmony or peace individually,” quoted him as saying.

The Manyoshu is the oldest collection of poetry in existence, compiled in Nara period (710 – 794). It is written in Manyogana (万葉仮名) which was invented on words imported from Han dynasty in ancient China to write down ancient Japanese language. The words of Han are known as Kanji. Kanji means “The letter of Han (dynasty).” Ancient Japanese people put a Kanji on one syllable of their language without consideration of its original meaning.

The 32 poems of plum blossoms and Introduction 梅花謌卅二首并序

What does the poem mean?

In the first place, let us make sure the meaning of the poem 令和 was quoted. These words are found in the chapter called “The 32 poems of plum blossoms and Introduction 梅花謌卅二首并序” in The Manyoshu.

The words 令 and 和 was chosen form the following sentence in Manyogana: 于時、初春令月、氣淑風和、梅披鏡前之粉、蘭薫珮後之香.

The sentence reads in literary Japanese language ” Tokini, syosyun no rei getsu nisite, kiyoku kazeyawaragi ume wa kyouzen no ko wo hiki, ran ha haigo no ko wo kaorasu.(時に、初春の令月にして、気淑く風和らぎ、梅は鏡前の粉を披き、蘭は珮後の香を薫す。)”

The following are translation:

時に、初春の令月にして  Now, it is a day of good fortune to do something in spring.

気淑く風和らぎ The air is tender and beautiful, hiding our felicity behind it

梅は鏡前の粉を披き Japanese plum blossoms bloom as if they were ladies on exquisite makeup.

蘭は珮後の香を薫す Orchids are in alluring fragrance as though they wore perfume.

Honkatori technique

The sentence in the poem “于時、初春令月、氣淑風和、梅披鏡前之粉、蘭薫珮後之香.” takes advantage of Honkatori technique. It is an allusion used in Waka. A composer put line or words which reminds the reader of those of the old and famous literature. I’ll show you a good example. Paul Bowles’ work is Let it come down. Honkatori is something like that.

The sentence reminds us of “於是仲春令月　時和気清　原隰鬱茂　百草滋栄.” It is a poem composed by Wang Xizi, a famous poet in Jin Dynasty. In ancient Japan (even today) a learned person was to familiar to ancient Chinese poem.

The meaning of the Kanji, 令 and 和

令

令 is a compound ideograph. the upper part is a crown and the lower part is a person on their knees. The Kanji originally meant “to have an oracle.” On this meaning, the word began to mean “To give order.” People in order looked beautiful, then it started to mean “good, or extraordinary.

和

和 is phono-semantic compound character. I emit its original meaning of it because there are many hypothesis on it. The Kanji means “go with,”or “calm.” In this meaning, the word began to mean “peace.”

What did Prime Minister Shinzo Abe say about Reiwa 令和？

The Prime Minister was quated as saying: “The Manyosu was the oldest Waka (Japanese poem) compilation organazed around 1,200 years ago. It consists of many Waka without consideration of the classes the composer belonged to; Emperors, court nobles, court ladies, warriors, and farmers. It is a Kokusyho (国書) which proves our profound culture and tradition.

Long history and extraordinary cultural inheritance, and four seasons with fertility. This is our country. We shall let the following generations inherit them.

Japanese plum blossoms live through severe winter and blooms in spring without failure to tell us the end of the dreadful season. Like the flower, every single Japanese is to make their life flourished. I sincerely hope it would come true in our country. So, I decided to named the new Imperial period 令和. I am extremely grateful because we take the first step toward the new era with prospect, showing gratitude for the peaceful days in which we can admire the nature and enrich our cultural inheritance.

Japan and the Imperial period/era

The beginning of Japanese regnal period

The history of the Imperial period/era (元号) dates back to 645. In the year, Taika reform (大化の改新) took place. It is a land and taxation reform to enhance the power of the imperial court for the purpose of centralization. Since then, our country uses the Imperial period/ era called Gengo (元号). The first Gengo is Taika (大化). Taika reform was named after the Gengo. In addition to it, we started to call our country Nihon/Nippon (日本) and emperor Tenno (天皇). Though Gongo and these terms were originated, Japan has the Japanese Imperial year. This year, our country marked Japanese Imperial year 2679. Since then, we have only one dynasty.

When a new emperor succeeds the Imperial throne, a new Gengo started. It lasts during his rein. In April 30th, emperor Akihito will give up his throne. Japanese Emperor is life tenure. The abdication of the throne will take place for the first time in 200 years.

What does Reiwa 令和 mean to us?

Reiwa is the 248th Gengo in Japan. Kanji used in Gengo is only 73 because ancient emperors and governments loved to use the word which meant long reins and peace.

From 1st Taika to 127th Heisei, the Kanji of them were quoted from Kanseki (漢籍) but 248th Reiwa is from The Manyoshu, a Kokuseki (和書). As I said before, it is written in Manyogana. Thanks to it, we started to explain what we think about in characters. So, it is important for us the fact that the new Gengo was quoted from The Manyoshu.

From ancient times, we have believed that our language has Kotodama (言霊). It is a sacred power our language has: Our life is affected by each word we speak. This is the reason I and our Prime Minister try to describe what the new Imperial period 令和 means.

The world shall be in peace and harmony as our Gengo implies. Good night. 合掌。

概説

紀元祭とは、毎年2月11日（建国記念の日）に全国の神社で斎行される我が国の建国を祝う祭典です。『日本書記』（西暦720年に編纂されたとされる日本の歴史書）に於いては、今から2,686年前（紀元前660年）の同日、神武天皇が橿原宮（かしはらのみや。現在の橿原神宮がある場所に存在しました）での即位をもって我が国の誕生としています。

本投稿では、まず、『日本書記』の記述、神武天皇の即位までの経緯、橿原神宮の概説と紀元祭の様子をご紹介します。

『日本書記』の記述

『日本書記』には以下の記述があります。

”辛酉年春正月庚辰朔 天皇即帝位於橿原宮是歳爲天皇元年”（かのとりのはる　むつきかのえたつついたち　すめらみこと　かしはらのみやにおいて　あまつひつぎしろめす　ことしをすめらみことはじめのとしとなす）

『日本書記』には各天皇の即位元年と即位していた期間が記載されており、これをさかのぼっていくと、初代神武天皇が即位した年は紀元前660年と算出されます。

七里ヶ浜親方

ここをクリックすると国立国会図書館のデジタルアーカイブの該当巻にいけるぜ。なかなかおもしれーぜ。

神武天皇の即位年をもって紀元とすることは、明治5年（西暦1872年）の太政官布告により定められました。太政官布告とは、今日の政令（内閣が制定する命令）だと考えて頂ければよろしいかと思います。今から約150年前に布告されましたが、2021年現在でも効力があります。

シカさん

令和（英語版しかありません。）など一世一元の制度もこれにより定められたよ。

お福さん

令和五年は二千六百八十参年になります。

神武天皇即位までの経緯

生誕から東征まで

以下、神武天皇生誕から東征をへて、即位するまで、『日本書記』に即し重要な箇所のみ簡潔にまとめます。

神武天皇は神日本磐余彦天皇（かみやまとのいはあれひこのすめらみこと）といい、瓊瓊杵尊（ににぎのみこと）の曾孫にあたります。瓊瓊杵尊は葦原中国（あしはらなかつくに）を統べるべく、天下ります。（尚、瓊瓊杵尊は天照大神の孫にあたります）

神武天皇は日向国（現在の宮崎県に相当）に生まれ、45歳の時に、大和国（現在の奈良県に相当）に都を作り、我が国（の萌芽）を統べるべく東征を開始します。

八咫烏

東征の道程は、大まかに申しますと、高千穂から出発、宇佐を経て、そこから瀬戸内海を東に進んでいきました。その後大阪湾経由で大和に入ろうとしますが、大和の指導者に阻まれ、同行した兄を失います。そこで、紀伊半島経由で大和入りしようとしますが、道に迷います。この時、天照大神が遣わした八咫烏（やたがらす）に吉野を越えます。

金鵄

その後、大和に入り、長髄彦という地方豪族と戦いますが、空に暗雲が立ち込め、ひょうが降りだします。その後、光が差し、金鵄が現れ、神武天皇の弓の上に止まり光を放ちます。長髄彦軍は降参します。その後、大和国を平定し、畝傍山（うねびやま）近くに橿原宮という宮殿を建て、そこで即位し、これを以て我が国の建国となります。

戦前までは、即位礼に於いて、八咫烏が刺繡された「八咫烏形大錦幡」と金鵄が刺繡された「霊鵄形大錦幡」が掲げられていました。戦後はおそらく政教分離原則との抵触を回避すべく、「菊花章大錦幡」が代替しています。

お福さん

写真はそれぞれの大錦幡を模したクリアファイルの写真です。

橿原神宮概説

以上のような経緯で神武天皇は橿原宮で即位されました。橿原神宮は先程申し上げた通り、その跡地に創建されました。ただし、2,600年以上も前から存在したわけではなく、明治23年（1890年）4月2日に民間の請願により、官幣大社として創建されました。明治天皇は京都御所の賢所（亜天照大神が祀れている建物）と神嘉殿（新嘗祭などが斎行される建物）を下賜されています。

北側には神武天皇の陵があり、参拝することができます。

橿原神宮紀元祭の様子

概説

橿原神宮の紀元祭は午前11時から約1時間半程度かけて、内拝殿前に於いて斎行されます。

写真の建物は外拝殿と呼ばれます。

この奥に内拝殿（一般の神社でいう御本殿）があります。内拝殿の前で参列するには、事前に申し込むことが必要です。

たけちよ

詳細は橿原神宮の該当ページをご覧下さい。

事前申し込みをしない場合、外拝殿で自由に参列できます。

勅使参列

まずは、午前11時に神職の方々が内拝殿に進み、祝詞を奏上します。

その後、勅使列が内拝殿に向かいます。勅使とは天皇陛下の使者の事です。なぜ勅使が遣わされるかと申しますと、勅祭社たる橿原神宮の祭祀だからです。勅祭社とは、祭祀が行われる場合に、勅使が遣わされる神社のことです。例をご紹介しますと、上賀茂神社と下鴨神社は勅祭社です。そして、賀茂社（上賀茂神社と下鴨神社の総称）の祭祀たる葵祭には勅使が遣わされます。また、勅祭社以外の祭祀、若しくはそれに準ずるものにも遣わされることがあります。ここでも例をご紹介しますと、東寺の御七日修法にも勅使が遣わされます。これは宮中祭祀と関連があるためです。

緑色の布がかかった箱は唐櫃（からびつ）とよばれる、調度品などを入れる箱です。

中には柳筥（やないばこ。写真右側の箱）に入った天皇陛下からの幣帛（へいはく）が入っています。幣帛とは神にささげる供物の総称を意味しますが、ここでは五色絁（ごしきのあしぎぬ）やおそらく麻などが入っています。（写真は下鴨神社に展示されていたものです。）段を登るときに唐櫃を横にむけているのは、幣帛が傾かないようにするためです。

国家斉唱

2023年はソプラノ歌手の方のリサイタルがあり、合唱はありませんでした。

紀元奉頌の歌

紀元節の歌として知られるものです。このような歌詞になっています。（一番のみ）

雲に聳（そび）ゆる　高千穂（たかちほ）の
高根おろしに　草も木も
なびきふしけん　大御世（おおみよ）を
仰ぐ今日こそ　たのしけれ

神楽奉納

ポスター等には記載されていませんが、奉納されます。

神賑行事

外拝殿の外側で剣舞などが2時間おきに奉納されます。

神武天皇陵参拝

橿原神宮の境内地（北側）には神武天皇の陵があります。ここも参拝なさるとよいでしょう。墓所なので写真は当然ありません。境内地ですが、徒歩で約30分くらいかかります。

皇紀2683年/令和五年/2023年の様子

今年はほぼコロナ前と同じ態様で斎行されました。

ひさしぶりに参拝しましたところ、鮎のおみくじがありました。神武天皇東遷の際、勝利を占われたことに由来するとのことです。数量限定品。金鵄のおみくじはいつも通りありました。いずれも初穂料500円。通常のおみくじは200円です。

御朱印は初穂料500年です。

橿原神宮へのアクセス

近鉄橿原神宮前駅より徒歩約10分。

駐車場は約800台駐車可能です。

料金：

大型車 2,000円/日（車高2.645m以上）
中型車 1,000円/日（車高2.285m以上）
普通車　 500円/日（車高2.285m未満）

24時間ごとに可算されます。

橿原神宮基本情報

平成31年4月30日、今上陛下（当時）が譲位なされました。続いて翌日、すなわち、令和元年5月1日、徳仁皇太子殿下が第126代天皇陛下として即位なされました。

これに伴い令和元年10月22日に即位礼の一環として、即位礼正殿の儀に於いて御自らの即位を我が国の国民、並びに諸外国に対し宣言なされる予定です。

新たに天皇陛下が即位なされますと、以下三者の需要な儀が執り行われます。

1.  践祚の儀
2.  即位の礼
3.  大嘗祭

本投稿では平成元年に行われた即位礼に即し、賢所に期日奉告の儀、即位礼当日賢所大前の儀、並びに即位礼正殿の儀の三者につき、読者の皆様に解説申し上げます。

践祚の儀、大嘗祭につきましては、後日、改めてご紹介する予定です。践祚の儀につきましては、英語版を記してありますので、よろしければご覧ください。

The Enthronement of the Emperor of Japan; Senso

On 30th April, Emperor Akihito gave up his throne and the crown prince Naruhito acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne. In this article we learn the role of the Emperor of Japan and the meanings of Senso.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.10.09

即位礼

即位礼の趣旨は天皇陛下が御自らの即位を天照大御神にご報告すること、並びに、国内外にこれを宣言することにあります。右を実現すべく、以下の儀式があります。

1. 1. 賢所に期日奉告の儀
   2. 即位礼当日賢所大前の儀
   3. 並びに即位礼正殿の儀

賢所に期日奉告の儀

概要

即位礼、並びに大嘗祭の期日が正式に決せられた後、天皇陛下は宮中にある宮中三殿、すなわち、賢所、皇霊殿、神殿に於いてその期日を御奉告なされます。

この時、陛下は黄櫨染御袍の御束帯をお召になり、剣璽（けんじ）と供に御奉告なさいます。

黄櫨染御袍の御束帯とは、天皇陛下のみに着用が許されている束帯のことです。剣璽とは三種の神器のうちの二つ、天叢雲剣と八尺瓊勾玉を指します。

残る一つ、八咫の鏡は唐櫃（上の写真のような箱のこと）に収められ、賢所に祀られています。

以下、個別にご紹介します。尚、宮中三殿につきましては、践祚の儀の投稿に於いてご紹介する予定です。詳細は目下、先ほど紹介申し上げました、英語版をご覧ください。

賢所

天照大神の御霊たる八咫の鏡に代わる御鏡が祀られています。ただし、実物は伊勢神宮に祀られています。まずはここで天照大神に御奉告されます。宮中三殿の中では最も位が高い場所です。

昭和天皇が即位なさったときは、皇室典範、並びに登極令に則り、京都で即位の礼が行われました。この時、賢所も汽車で東京から移動し、京都御所内の春興殿に移されました。

皇霊殿

御歴代の天皇、后妃などが祀られています。宮中三殿のなかでは次に紹介申し上げます、神殿の方が位が高くなっていますが、御祖先への畏敬の念から先に御奉告されます。

神殿

天地神祇八百万神が祀られています。最後にここに御奉告なされます。

 即位礼当日賢所大前の儀

即位礼当日、天皇陛下は賢所に於いて、天照大神に即位の旨、御奉告なさいます。

即位礼正殿の儀

即位正殿の儀の歴史

新たな天皇陛下は践祚の儀を経て即位なされますが、即位正殿の儀を以て宣明なさります。

現在でこのように、即位（践祚）と即位正殿の儀は別個のもので、それぞれ別の期日に行われますが、かつては同時に行われていました。これらが二者に分離したのは、桓武天皇が即位した時からです。

『続日本紀』（菅原道真らが編纂した勅撰の歴史書）によると、桓武天皇は光仁天王の譲位に伴い、781年4月3月に即位し、同月15日に大極殿で即位を宣言したとあります。この後、大極殿が焼失した後は変遷を経、江戸時代には京都御所の紫宸殿で宣言がなされていました。今日では即位正殿の礼は宮中の正殿松の間で行われます。

この時、陛下は先ほど申し上げました、黄櫨染御袍の御束帯と呼ばれる束帯をお召にならります。黄櫨染というハゼノキとスオウを用いて染める色で、黄色がかった茶色をしており、絶対禁色と呼ばれます。

これに対し、江戸時代までは中国風の袞冕十二章（こんべんじゅうにしょう）と呼ばれる礼服でした。820年に嵯峨天皇が詔で即位礼、並びに朝賀の際の着用を義務づけました。最後にお召になられたのは、孝明天皇です。

袞は袞衣（こんえ）という、『唐書』に記された聖王を意味します。他方、冕は冕冠（べんかん）という冠を意味します。

即位礼当日賢所大前の儀の後、正殿松の間に置かれた高御座（たかみくら）に御着きになり、国民の代表たる（法律上のものではありません。）内閣総理大臣を前にお言葉を述べられ、我が国と世界の安寧を祈念なさいます。

この後、内閣総理大臣が寿詞（よごと）とよばれる御祝いの言葉を奏上し、万歳三唱をもって御即位を奉祝します。

高御座

高御座は『日本書記』には「天位（タカミクラ/タカキミクラ）」と記述され、元来は大王家の祖霊が祀られた場所を意味し、即位の神話に基づく正当性を確認したものと推認されます。高御座は少なくとも8世紀頃から即位の礼に際し用いられてきました。ご覧のように八角形の屋根を八本の柱が支えます。屋根の八隅の蕨手（くるんとしたところ）と頂上には鳳凰が載せられています。継壇には麒麟が描かれ、祥瑞思想が示唆されます。また、八角形は大八島国/大八州国を表しているともいわれます。

鳳凰とは想像上の鳥で、『詩経』などでは天子の出現とともに現れるとされます。金閣寺や平等院鳳凰堂の屋根の上にいる鳥のことです。

高御座の中には「あん（字を失念しました。後で調べます）」と呼ばれる腰掛があり、侍従が横の台に天叢雲剣、八尺瓊勾玉、御璽、ならびに国璽を置きます。

高御座は、平生は京都御所の紫宸殿に置かれています。閂で固定され、分解することができます。前回、そして今回の即位正殿の儀のため、陸上自衛隊のヘリコプターが分解して運んでいきました。

Michodai 御帳台

写真後方にあるのは、皇后陛下が着座される御帳台（みちょうだい）です。高御座より少し小ぶりで、ほぼ同じような構造をしています。

概説

2026年は特段の事情なき限り、下鴨神社で斎行される予定です。

今年の斎王代決定

葵祭の第６8代斎王代は未定です。

斎王代御禊の儀　概観

斎王代御禊の儀（さいおうだいぎょけい/ごけいのぎ）とは毎年5月15日に催行される葵祭に参加する斎王代が禊を行う儀式です。葵祭に先立つ5月4日に隔年で上賀茂神社、若しくは、下鴨神社で行われます。令和6年たる2025年は上賀茂神社で行わる予定でした。

斎王代とは「斎王の代わり」という意味です。毎年京都に所縁のある未婚女性の中から選ばれます。斎王とは、かつて天皇の代わりに賀茂祭（今日の葵祭のこと）に奉仕した主に内親王などの皇女から選ばれた巫女のことです。この斎王が賀茂祭に先立ち、鴨川で行った潔斎を再現したものが斎王代御禊の儀となります。

以下、斎王代御禊の儀につきご紹介します。まずは最初に実際の様子をビデオでご覧ください。

いちきしま ひめ

本投稿に記載の開始時間等は変更される可能性があります。必ず、上賀茂神社公式サイトなどで確認してください。

御禊の儀の内容

禊と祓

禊と祓の違いにつきましては、以下のリンクをご参照ください。

禊と祓の違いにつき分かりやすく解説

禊と祓は一般に罪、穢を祓うものとされ、混同されるきらいがあります。本稿ではこれらの違いにつき、斎王代御禊、そして、我々が経験できる手水は夏越の祓を例に、わかりやすく解説申し上げます。合掌

kyotokankoyagi.com

2024.02.20

上賀茂神社

ここでは、先ほどご覧いただいた、上賀茂神社で行われる御禊の儀の様子を用いて解説します。

斎王代が手を浸している流れは、上賀茂神社の境内を流れる、奈良の小川という川です。この川は、御物忌川と御手洗川という二つの流れが、少し上で合流したものであり、これらの流れが結界を構成しています。後ろにある建物は土屋（つちのや）といいます。上賀茂神社の神事に際する禊はここで行われます。

斎王代はこの奈良の小川に手を浸し、身を清めます。御禊の儀には、斎王代のほかにも女人列の構成員も参じますが、奈良の小川で潔斎を行うのは斎王代だけです。

次に女人列一同は橋殿という、奈良の小川をまたいで建てられた建物に移動します。ビデオだと少しわかりにくいかもしれませんが、斎王代以下、全員橋殿の上にいます。ここで全員、形代を用いて解除します。我々が夏越しの祓などで行うものと同じ方法です。他の人は紙の形代ですが、斎王代のものだけ黄蘗（きはだ/おうばく）の木で作られています。

下鴨神社

下鴨神社の場合、井上社の前にある、御手洗池というところで行われます。

このテントが張ってありますが、ここが関係者の席となり、パイロンが置いてあるところがプレス用の場所になります。一般人が見学する場合、写真のさらに左手のところからになります。

撮影隊は斎王代が手を池に浸す場面の撮影を優先した結果、全体像を収めることはできませんでした。一般向けの場所はかなり狭いので、いかれるのでしたら、それなりの覚悟が必要かと思われます。10時スタートで神事などが行われたのち、御禊の儀となります。斎王代が手をひたすのは、11時過ぎになります。

終了後は神服殿というところに移動し、撮影が行われます。

ヒヒヒ

開始時間は10時。無料だぜ。

葵祭の斎王代と斎王の歴史的意義

斎王とは？

斎王とは神の御杖代（みつえしろ。神や天皇の杖となって助ける者のこと。杖が依代になると考えられたことに基づく）として、祭祀に奉仕した未婚の皇女のことを指します。歴史上、伊勢神宮と賀茂祭にしか奉仕した例はありません。（両者を区別するため、伊勢神宮に奉仕する斎王は斎宮と呼ばれます。）

賀茂祭では810年から齋院（さいいん/いつきのみや）と呼ばれる斎王の制度が始まります。これは『賀茂皇大神宮記』によると、嵯峨天皇が薬子の変に際し、平城上皇に勝利すれば、王城鎮護の社たる賀茂社に皇女を奉る旨、祈願したことが始まりとなっています。の斎王は天皇陛下が即位すると占いで選出され、譲位、もしくは崩御するまでその役目を果たしました。

『延喜式』には”凡天皇即位。定賀茂大神斎王、仍簡内親王未嫁者卜之。”とあります。

斎王は選出されると御所内の「初齋院」という施設が設けられ、最初の潔斎が川のほとりで行われます。以降、この初斎院で毎日潔斎し、毎月朔日には賀茂社の神様を遥拝するという生活を３年間送りました。

紫野斎院

その後、野宮という院（現在の櫟谷七野神社「いちいだにななのじんじゃ」の周辺と言われます。ただし、野宮はその都度壊されたので定かではありません。）に入り、賀茂川で潔斎した後、天皇陛下の代わりに賀茂社（上賀茂神社と下鴨神社のこと）に参拝しました。

この櫟谷七野神社のあたりにあった斎院は紫野斎院とよばれ、実際の大きさは約120メートル四方くらいで、櫟谷七野神社がある辺りはその西北の一角をしめていました。

写真は現在の櫟谷七野神社です。地図上では簡単にいけそうですが、大きな通りに面していないため、行けば確実に迷います。もし行かれるのでしたら、十分に時間に余裕をお持ちになってください。

ちなみに初代賀茂斎院は「有智子内親王（うちこないしんのう）」という方で、墓所が嵐山の落柿舎の隣にあります。お墓ですので写真の撮影はしません。

御禊の様子

往時、斎王は賀茂祭当日は院を出て南下し、一条大路で勅使の列と合流し、一条大路を東にすすみ、下鴨神社、上賀茂神社の順に参向しました。上の地図の青い枠がおおよその平安京の位置です。赤い鳥居が現在の櫟谷七野神社神社です。そこから南下し、大宮大路から一条大路に入ります（赤い宇宙人マークの場所）。

当時の御禊の様子を詳らかにするものとして、『源氏物語』の「葵」の巻や『栄花物語』があります。

この一条大路は『源氏物語』の「葵」の巻に出てくる車争いの舞台となったところです。ただ、この車争いが起ったのは賀茂祭の日（現在の葵祭で行われる社頭の儀や路頭の儀の日ではないという意味です。）ではなく、賀茂祭の４日前におこなわれる斎王御潔（さいおうごけい）と呼ばれる儀式の日です。車争いとは、六条御息所が御潔の日に参列する光源氏を見ようと一条大路で牛車で陣取っていたところ、葵の上の一行が割り込んできて、恥をかかされてしまうという場面です。この「葵」に記載されている斎王御潔は青い宇宙人マークのあたりで行われたものかと思われます。

ただし、御禊を行う場所は陰陽師がその都度占って決めていたので、鴨川沿いの広範囲に存在しました。記録によれば、上は現在の河合社の近く、下は六条の辺りと広範にわたります。

この斎王御潔は斎王をみることのできる数少ない機会だったので、貴族はもちろん、一般人や地方から上京してきた見物人などでごった返し、乱闘などに発展することもありました。この様子は清少納言の『枕草子』にも記載されています。この斎王御潔は今日の斎王代禊の儀に相当します。現在の斎王代禊の儀は手を川につけるだけですが、伊勢神宮に奉仕した斎宮は桂川に身を浸して御潔をしていたそうです。

斎王の御禊の様子は『年中行事絵巻』によるとこんな塩梅です。川辺に幕（３）で区切った一角を作り、その中に帳舎のようなもの（１）をたて、その中から、斎王やたぶん采女などがいることを表す裳のすそのようなもの（２）がでています。松明（4）があることから、夕方以降に行われいるようです。賀茂競馬などと同様に、時代とともに時間がずれ込んできたのかと思います。（５）は神官でしょうか。前に台のようなものがあります。

もとの写真は宮内庁書陵部のデジタルアーカイブで閲覧することができます。

現在の斎王代

この斎王の制度も鎌倉時代には途絶えてしまい、その後、1956年に斎王代として復活しました。斎王代の「代」とは代替とか代わりという意味です。現在では皇女ではなく、京都に所縁のある一般の未婚女性が選ばれ4月に発表されます。2019年は、負野李花さんという会社員の方が選ばれました。今年は天皇陛下が即位されますので、令和最初の葵祭となります。

ヒヒヒ

下鴨神社に行けばオレたちも斎王代になれるぜ

下鴨神社基本情報

下鴨神社へのアクセス

ＪＲ京都駅から

京都市バス4号系統で、下鴨神社前バス停下車。徒歩３分。

京阪から

京阪出町柳駅から徒歩5分。

阪急から

阪急河原町駅で下車し、四条河原町バス停から京都市バス4号系統で、下鴨神社前バス停下車。徒歩３分。

What is Gyokei no Gi?

Saiohdai Gyokei no Gi (斎王代御禊の儀) is a ritual held on 4th of May, prior to Aoi matsuri festival. In this ritual, “Saiohdai” purifies herself at a stream of Kamigamo shrine or Shimogamo shrine in every other year. In 2024/ Reiwa 6, it will be held at Shimogamo shrine.

Who is Saiohdai?

Saiohdai (斎王代) means that a substitute of Saioh. Saioh is a priestess served for Aoi matsuri festival in ancietn times. She was chosen in the royal family (mostly a daughter of the emperor) usually. Today, we don’t have the priestess. On the other hand, a lady plays a role of Saioh in Aoi matsuri fesitival and the other rituals belong to it. We discuss about her later in historical point of view.

The video of Saioh da Gyokei no gi

Before making an inspection of the ritual, enjoy Goyokei no Gi.

Gyokei no Gi at Kamigamo shrine 御禊の儀於上賀茂神社

Along the video we saw, let us make sure what Gyokei no Gi is.

The stream in front of Saiohdai is the Nara no Ogawa. There are streams called Omonoigawa and Mitarashi gawa in Kamigamo shrine.

In Japan, we think water purify something evil. These stream go around the main hall of the shrine to tell the border of the sacred and the secular world. They get together and make Nara no Ogawa. So, the stream is also sacred. So, Saohdai make herself purified herself, touching the water of the stream. At Gyokei no Gi, only Saiohdai does this though many ladies participate in the ritual.

On the same reason, rituals to make attendants purified take place in front of the stream and a building called Tsuchinoya, located by it.

After that, all the ladies move to a bridge called Hashidono. On it, they put evil things inside of them on a human-shaped object called Katashiro. The Katashiro for Saiohdai is made of wood though the others are made of paper.

Gyokei no Gi at Shimogamo shrine 御禊の儀於下鴨神社

At Shimogamo shrine, Gyokei no gi is held at Mitarashi ike, a small stream in front of Inoue sha, the sub-shrine of Shimogamo shrine.

You see a white tent. There are seats of relatives of Saiohdai under it. The place where red corns located is for press.

For us, there is a small room left to see the ritual. The ritual starts at 10 a.m. and she touches the stream around 11 a.m.

After the ritual, they move to Shinpukuden to have a photo session.

Saiou-dai in Aoi matsuri festival in historical point of view

Who is Saioh?

Saioh-dai is a most famous lady in Aoi matsuri festival (The lady in the picture above.). The word “dai” means a substitute for someone/something in Japanese. So let me tell you about “Saioh”.

Saioh is a Shinto priestess works as a deputy of the emperor. In the Heian period, when the new emperor was enthroned, a fortune-teller chose Saiou among unmarried ladies in the imperial family on a special fortune-telling.

Once a lady was elected as Saioh, she moved to a small palace called “Hatsu sai in” to purify herself for three years. After the purification of three years, she moved to a small palace temporary built for Saiou called “Nomiya” and purified herself at the river Kamo. After these purification, she was in a state to serve as a deputy of the emperor.

Saiou became extinct in Kamakura period (1185–1333) and was restored as “Saiou-dai” We call her “Saiou-dai” i.e. the substitute for Saiou because she was not erected among the members of the royal family nor is Shinto priestess.

Nomiya or Murasakino Saiin 紫野斎院

Nomiya is build each time Saioh was chosen by Onmyoji, a fortune-teller belonged to the Imperial court. It is believed that Ichiidani Nanano shrine is a debris of one of them which stands the test of time.

Goyokei of Saioh in The Tale of Genji

If you were interested in Japanese culture or literature, you might know The Tale of Genji written by Murasaki Shikibu. In the chapter ‘Aoi’, you can find a incident called “Kuruma arasoi”. That is a small conflict took place at Aoi matsuri festival.

In ancient times, Saioh departs Saiin (the red Torii in the map) heading for south. On Ichijoohji street, she met Chokushi, the messenger of the emperor, and his colleagues (the red alien). They joined together to go to the river Kamo.

The blue alien indicates the supposed place where Gyokei took place. It is “supposed” because the palce was chosen by Onmyoji each time and Gokei was carried out in many places along the river.

People only see Saioh when she was on the way of Gyokei.

How was Gyokei carried on?

The Nenjyu Gyoji Emaki, the guide book of the rituals in Heian period, tells us the ritual.

Around the river Kamo (RIVER in the photo), walls of cloth (3) were made. Inside of the wall, there was a tent (1). (2) is a train of outfit for court ladies. (4) is a torch. It indicates the ritual was held at twilight or night. (5) is a priest.

How to get to Shimogamo shrine?

From JR kyoto station

Take Kyoto city bus no.4 and get off at Shimogamo Jinjamae bus stop.

About Shimogamo shrine