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1992 BCE
Signifiance
This event is significant as it honors the god of mercy. This marks the beginning of the chugoku pilgrimage. -
1992 BCE
Change
The ritual has changed over time as they changed from using bull testicles to scented wood. There is also a child friendly version of the festival -
1992 BCE
Changes in participation
Instead of practicing priests only participating, it is open to more common people and is open for children to participate -
1992 BCE
Changes in observing ritual
During the festival nearby shop owners open their doors so that spectators and participants can come and chat. It is more of a party atmosphere with things like live music happening during the event -
1992 BCE
Beliefs
The belief is that this will give blessings for the entire year and the competitor that catches the talisman will have good luck for an entire year -
1992 BCE
Symbols and actions
1000-10,000 take apart of this festival wearing little to no clothes, mostly only a japanese koncloth. They spend an hour or two running through the temple grounds and fountains of near freezing water, an act said to purify the soul -
1991 BCE
Origins
The Hadaka Masturi started from a ritual over 500 years ago when worshippers competed to catch balls/testicles thrown by a preist. These tokens marked the completeion of a new year training by the priest. Those who collected the talisman had good things happen to them, many people did it year by year.