Oshiroi Matsuri (White Powder Festival)

About this event

According to long-standing legend, Oyamazumi Shrine is called the "Mountain God," and the Mountain God is originally said to be a "female deity." This festival is said to signify this deity applying makeup. The white powder (oshiroi) is made by grinding new rice (first harvest) into powder and mixing it with water (shitogi) to apply to the face. It is considered an extraordinary custom unmatched anywhere else in Japan, where farmers of old expressed gratitude to the deity for the prosperity of parish families and a bountiful harvest of new grain, while praying for abundant crops in the coming year. The degree to which the oshiroi adheres to the face is used to divine next year's crop yield; this powder must not be washed or removed from the face until returning home, is said to cause a fire if thrown into flames, and brings sound health when mixed into feed for cattle and horses after going home. On the day, the miyaza (shrine association gathering) begins around 14:00, accompanied by purification by the chief priest and the chanting of Shinto prayers. In the worship hall, all parishioners sit down to the ceremonial feast, and the seat hosts bring out the shitogi paste in large bowls, starting by applying it to the chief priest's face.

Venue

Oyamazumi Shrine [Oyama]

527 Haki Oyama, Asakura, Fukuoka 838-1503