Thursday, January 16, 2025
On Monday, January 13th, from 9:00am, a "Dontoyaki" event was held at Shinryu Shrine.
Shinryu Shrine Dontoyaki in 2025
Dontoyaki is said to have originated from the Heian period imperial court event Sagicho, an event in which New Year's decorations and gifts are burned on the night of January 15th. Sagicho spread beyond the imperial court to the common people, eventually evolving into the modern Dontoyaki.
One theory about the origin of the name "Dontoyaki" is that it comes from the way the fire burns "more and more." Townspeople bring New Year's decorations and sacred ropes, and burn them.
By burning auspicious items, people pray for good health, safety for their families, prosperity in business, and bountiful harvests in the new year, and the sacred ritual of "Dondoyaki" sees off the New Year deity to the heavens, with boundless love, gratitude, and prayers.
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◇ Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi (Photography and editing assistance: Noboru Terauchi)
