[Akita Prefecture] What is Kashima? Detailed explanation of the doll Dosojin belief passed down in Akita Prefecture

It was said to be located along roadsides, such as at the borders of villages and on mountain passes, to prevent foreign pestilence and evil spirits from coming.DososhinIt can be said that it is characteristic that there are various types and shapes all over Japan.

In this article, we will introduce theKashima-sama, DosojinI will explain in detail.

What is Dosojin?

Dososhin isroadside god、guardian of the villageHe is considered to be the god closest to people in folk religion. They are mainly enshrined in the form of stone monuments and statues at the boundaries of villages, the center of villages, the boundaries between inside and outside villages, road crossroads, and three-way intersections.

Dososhin

The god of the road, which has been worshiped since ancient times in China.Doso” and the ancient Japanese “God of the roadIt is thought to be a fusion of ``, and was worshiped at the boundaries of villages, road crossroads, and so-called ``boundaries,'' and was believed to be a guardian deity that warded off all kinds of disasters that invaded from outside.

In the early modern period, the form of worship has changed, and it is said that he is worshiped as a god of matchmaking, a god of travel safety, and a god who is close to children.

Mr. Kashima ?

Mr. KashimaWhat isUkami no TamaIt is a humanoid Dosojin made of rice straw that has a spiritual power that increases the vitality of people.In Akita Prefecture, there are 6 statues in Yuzawa City, 7 statues in Yokote City, 3 statues in Misato Town, 3 statues in Semboku City, and Daisen. One is installed in each city.

Akita's Dosojin [Kashima-sama]

It is huge, measuring 3m to 4m in height, and considering the meaning of the Dosojin, it would seem that it would be appropriate to install it at the entrance of every road leading to the village, but Kashima-sama is unique in that only one is installed. You could say that.

Many of the faces made of rice straw are found in southern Akita Prefecture, while those with wooden faces can be found in both central and southern Akita Prefecture.

Kashima-sama statues are also made in a variety of forms, including ones with large grass sandals hanging on them, and those with only a Niou mask like votive tablets.

Kashima has long been worshiped in Akita as the Dosojin, but what kind of god is he?

Kashima-sama was founded in 660 BC (first year of Emperor Jinmu).Deities enshrined at Kashima Shrinein,``Takemikazuchi no Okami'' is the god of Japan's founding and martial arts.It is said that it is about.

At Kashima Shrine, there is a ``Straight swordThere is a treasure called ``Takemikazuchi Okami's Swordas, alsoJapan's oldest and largest swordIt is carefully preserved as such.

Reference: Kashima Jingu official website

About Kashima Festival

Kashima FestivalIt is one of the traditional events held from spring to summer to drive out things that are harmful to life.

As a traditional event, it is classified as Mushi-okuri to exterminate pests and pray for a good harvest.In Akita Prefecture, it is held from the fourth week of June to the second week of September in Oga City, Akita City, Daisen City, Yokote City, and Yurihonjo City. etc. will be done.

Generally speaking, Kashima dolls made of rice straw are placed on a Kashima boat and carried around the town to perform purification rituals before being floated down the river.

Memories of Kashima Nagashi

I was a student at Daisen City Omagari Elementary School, so I have experience participating in Kashima Nagashi.

For the Kashima dolls to be carried on board the Kashima boat, children in each grade are in charge of creating the faces, decorations, etc., and third graders assemble the completed dolls into Kashima dolls.

The well-made Kashima dolls were displayed in the hallway for a short time, and then the PTA members and teachers placed them on a Kashima boat and finished them off.

Since I entered the school, I have admired the Kashima dolls that are displayed in the hallway every time I go to Kashima Nagashi, so when I made my own Kashima dolls in my third year, I used several colors of glossy colored paper. Early on, I envisioned the idea of ​​making armor.

In fact, when I was in my third year, my father, who was a teacher in the architecture department at a technical high school, saw me clumsily trying to assemble Kashima dolls and suggested I try making armor out of bamboo strips. He called out to me.

I tried to imitate the prototype made by my father, who is good with his hands, but I remember that it was quite difficult for third graders to line up the bamboo strips neatly and glue them together.

After that, I colored it neatly and assembled the other parts, and it turned out to be quite a splendid military commander.

I liked it so much that I was secretly hoping that I would be chosen to be the captain to ride in the front of the Kashima boat, but when I checked the day before the Kashima nagashi, I was the third one to ride, which made me feel a little disappointed. I remember.

However, when I went to school the next day, my Kashima doll had changed to a general.

Apparently, a PTA officer saw how well my dolls turned out and moved me to a different location.

I was very happy when I saw the Kashima boat, but when it came time to send it into the Omonogawa River, I felt so sad that I even wondered if someone would save my doll.

I sincerely hope that Kashima Nagashi will continue at Omagari Elementary School.

Reference: Daisen City Omagari Elementary School “Distinguished Education and Events”

summary

Kashima-sama is a humanoid Dosojin made of rice straw that is imbued with the spirit of lightning and has the spiritual power to increase people's vitality.It is worshiped on the roadside or used as a doll during Kashima Nagashi events to bring harm to people's lives. I learned that it is popular in Akita Prefecture in a variety of ways, such as playing the role of taking over the things that make up the world.

If you see Kashima-sama, please put your hands together in gratitude.

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