Prayers for giant torches and new fire at the summit of Mount Haguro

Prayers embodied in giant torches and a new fire

The festival’s central event, the Otaimatsu-hiki Shinji, is a ceremony in which giant torches shaped like tsutsugamushi are burned to ward off evil. The ceremony is said to originate in an ancient account of Prince Hachiko, who founded Dewa Sanzan: after receiving a divine revelation, he set a fire to drive away the threat of tsutsugamushi. The shape of the torches and the use of fire in the ceremony are linked to prayers to ward off harm from pests.

In another ceremony, the Hi no Uchikae Shinji, a new fire is kindled and the blessings of Homusubi-no-Okami are sought. This ceremony is also described as a way to ward off harm from pests, so the Shōreisai features two rites centered on fire. One burns the giant torches to ward off evil, while the other welcomes a new fire. Understanding these distinct ways of engaging with fire makes it easier to trace the hopes expressed in the festival.

The Shōreisai is held to pray for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. Because it takes place at the end of the year, it is also known as the Saiyasai. Prayers to ward off harm from pests and hopes for the next year’s harvest are brought together in this festival. It is worth understanding its context not only as a year-end ceremony, but also as a festival that seeks to protect local crops and pray for an abundant harvest.

This is also the day when Matsuhijiri, a yamabushi priest, completes his winter mountain ascetic training. The training, which includes prayers for an abundant harvest, lasts for 100 days from September 24 and concludes on the day of the Shōreisai. Alongside the giant torches and fire ceremonies, the completion of this long period of training gives the festival’s prayers a broader significance: they reflect not only hopes for the coming year’s harvest, but also the accumulated prayers offered in preparation for it.

What to check before you visit

The venue is Sanjin Gosaiden on the summit of Mount Haguro. The information available does not specify the start time or order of the ceremonies, or where visitors can watch. If you want to arrive in time for a particular ceremony, check the day’s schedule before setting out.

The price is listed as “free,” but it is not clear what this applies to. The available information also does not say whether there are fees or application requirements for viewing or taking part, so check the relevant conditions in advance. The venue address is listed as Tōge, Haguromachi, Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, but no specific route or travel time by train, bus, or on foot is provided. Check the location on a map and consult the official information before setting out.