祭概要

7年目ごとの式年祭で神を迎えて舞う！千年を超えて伝承される古の神楽舞

周南市北西部の和田三作地区に古くから伝承される神楽。7年目ごと（卯年・酉年）の式年祭で、神殿（かんどん）を設け神迎えをして23の神楽舞を奉納します。8世紀に飢饉と疫病に見舞われた際、河内社に祈願したところ村に平和が訪れたため、そのお礼に3村落総出で神楽を奉納するようになったのが始まりと伝えられます。面をつけず扇などの採物を持つ舞を多く伝え、東西南北と中央の五方を意識した所作や躍動的な所作など古風な形をよく留めています。

23の神楽舞のなかでも見せ場の一つが「三方荒神の舞」。天井から吊られた白縄を天井近くまで登り、頭を下にして降りてきます。

Every seven years, this festival welcomes deities with a special Ancient kagura dance passed down for over a millennium

Kagura has been successfully perpetuated in the Wada Mitsukuri area, which is located in the northwestern part of Shunan City. Every seven years, a total of 23 kagura dances are held here as an offering to the deities.
During a period of famine and disease in the 8th century, prayers offered at the Kawachi Shrine are believed to have brought peace to the region. In gratitude for it, three area villages collectively started offering kagura, which is believed to represent the beginning of this tradition.
A number of dances that use props such as fans instead of masks have also been passed down. These also contain ancient elements such as postures reflecting the five directions (north, south, east, west, as well as center), as well as specific dynamic movements.

One highlight of the 23 kagura dances is the Sanpo Kojin. A white rope is attached near the ceiling, which the dancers climb-and then descend head first!

三作神楽伝承館前
Mitsukuri Kagura Folklore Museum (front)

祭基本情報