Taimatsu Shinji (Torch Ritual)

About this event

Conducted as part of the Wajima Grand Festival, the 'Taimatsu Shinji' is a powerful festival packed with the traditions of Noto's Kiriko Festivals. It is based on a romantic legend that a goddess enshrined on Hegurajima Island and a male deity in Wajima City meet once a year, guided by torches. The 'Oto-gumi,' men who have reached the critical age of 42 (by traditional counting), carry the mikoshi portable shrine in a procession beneath a giant torch standing about 12 meters high while showered with sparks. A gohei wand that received a divine purification is attached to the top of the torch, and when the torch falls, the sight of young people scrambling for the gohei all at once is truly spectacular. This festival also carries the meaning of warding off all misfortune and receiving the vital energy of a newly reborn deity.

Venue

Wajima Kiriko Art Museum

6-1 Marine Town, Wajima, Ishikawa 928-0008