Detail
| Cultural Resources Category | Folk Cultural Materials (Tangible / Intangible) |
|---|---|
| Cultural Properties Category | Prefectural Designation Intangible Folk Cultural Properties |
| Title | Offering Rituals of Nikko Yayoi Festival |
| Designation Date | 1999/08/17 |
| Owner / Manager | Nikko Yayoi Festival Preservation Society |
| Description | Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of the Prefecture The Nikko Yayoi Festival is an essential part of the spring festivities at Nikko Futarasan Shrine, running from April 13th to 17th. It's believed to have been held continuously since the Nara period. Since the Edo period, additional ceremonies have been included, leading up to the household dedication event on the final day, the 17th (previously March 2nd according to the lunar calendar). Decorated with artificial pink azaleas, the flower households are paraded through the town and then enter the main shrine grounds for dedications, which is brilliant and stunning. This event involves various traditional rituals, including household contributions, business card exchanges, passing down household dedication duties, musical performances, respectful rituals at the main shrine, and the procession of flower households. Notable aspects include the participation of young men's groups, traditional attire with family crests, and ceremonial greetings. Maintaining the tradition of young men's group participation adds significant value to the festival, preserving cultural heritage with respect to age-old customs. |