秋季大祭の最終日、9月23日は「泣き相撲」が行われます。
赤ちゃんの健やかな成長を願うこの行事は、子安神社ならではの特色ある奉納として広く知られています。
泣き相撲とは
泣き相撲は、赤ちゃんを力士が抱き上げ、その泣き声で無病息災を祈る行事です。
古来より「赤子の泣き声は邪を祓う」とされ、泣くほどに健康に育つという信仰が込められています。
子安神社の泣き相撲は、秋季大祭を締めくくる奉納行事として、毎年多くのご家族に親しまれています。
境内の賑わい
この日は境内に縁日や屋台も並び、祭典の中で最も賑やかな一日となります。
赤ちゃんの泣き声とともに、家族の笑顔や参拝者の声が境内に広がり、厳粛な大祭の締めくくりにふさわしい活気を添えます。
泣き相撲の意義
泣き相撲は単なる行事ではなく、子安神社の御祭神・木花開耶姫命のご神徳「安産・子育て」の祈りを今に伝える大切な奉納です。
子どもの健やかな成長を願うこの行事は、地域の信仰と家族の絆を結ぶ象徴ともなっています。
Koyasu Shrine Autumn Grand Festival, Part 5
Nakisumo – The Crying Sumo
On the final day of the Autumn Grand Festival, September 23, Koyasu Shrine hosts the Nakisumo, or Crying Sumo.
This unique ritual is dedicated to praying for the healthy growth of children and is one of the most well-known traditions of the shrine.
What is Nakisumo?
In the Nakisumo, babies are gently held by sumo wrestlers, and their cries are offered as prayers for health and protection.
Since ancient times, it has been believed that the cries of infants ward off evil and ensure robust growth.
At Koyasu Shrine, this custom has been passed down as the closing ritual of the Autumn Grand Festival, warmly embraced by many families each year.
A Lively Atmosphere
On this day, the shrine grounds come alive with food stalls and festival booths, making it the most festive occasion of the four-day celebration.
The sound of babies crying, mingled with the smiles of families and the voices of visitors, fills the precincts with joy and vitality, providing a fitting finale to the solemn festival.
The Significance of Nakisumo
Nakisumo is more than a spectacle; it is a sacred offering that reflects the divine virtues of Konohanasakuya-hime-no-Mikoto, the goddess of safe childbirth and child-rearing.
By praying for the growth of children, this ritual strengthens the bonds of family and community while carrying forward the faith of Koyasu Shrine.