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Ryukyu seasonal observances (view source)
Revision as of 09:48, 15 August 2021
, 09:48, 15 August 2021→8th Month
[[File:Ni-nu-faa.jpg|right|thumb|320px|The King bowing to the altar to Heaven, during a modern reenactment of the ''Ni-nu-faa nu unu-fee'' ceremony, Jan 1, 2017]]
[[File:Ni-nu-faa.jpg|right|thumb|400px|The King bowing to the altar to Heaven, during a modern reenactment of the ''Ni-nu-faa nu unu-fee'' ceremony, Jan 1, 2017]]
[[File:Ni-fu-faa-officials.jpg|right|thumb|320px|Scholar-aristocrats praying along with the king, during a reenactment of the ''Ni-nu-faa nu unu-fee'' ceremony, Jan 1, 2017]]
[[File:Ni-fu-faa-officials.jpg|right|thumb|400px|Scholar-aristocrats praying along with the king, during a reenactment of the ''Ni-nu-faa nu unu-fee'' ceremony, Jan 1, 2017]]
[[File:Cho-nu-fee.JPG|right|thumb|320px|Scholar-aristocrats kowtowing to the king, during a reenactment of the ''Chô nu unu-fee'' ceremony, Jan 1, 2017]]
[[File:Cho-nu-fee.JPG|right|thumb|400px|Scholar-aristocrats kowtowing to the king, during a reenactment of the ''Chô nu unu-fee'' ceremony, Jan 1, 2017]]
[[File:Ufu-tuui.JPG|right|thumb|320px|Palace pages (''koshô'') offering [[awamori]] to scholar-officials of the court, during a reenactment of the ''Ufu-tuui'' ceremony, Jan 1, 2017]]
[[File:Ufu-tuui.JPG|right|thumb|400px|Palace pages (''koshô'') offering [[awamori]] to scholar-officials of the court, during a reenactment of the ''Ufu-tuui'' ceremony, Jan 1, 2017]]
In the [[Ryukyu Kingdom|Ryûkyû Kingdom]], members of the royal family and the [[scholar-aristocracy of Ryukyu]], as well as others associated with the royal court, took part in a variety of ceremonies and observances on certain occasions of every year.
In the [[Ryukyu Kingdom|Ryûkyû Kingdom]], members of the royal family and the [[scholar-aristocracy of Ryukyu]], as well as others associated with the royal court, took part in a variety of ceremonies and observances on certain occasions of every year.
The second ceremony, known by in Okinawan as ''Chô nu unu-fee'' (朝之御拝) or also as ''karafaafû mukigami kishiki'' (唐破豊向拝規式), took place around noon on the first day of the new year. Court officials lined up in the ''unaa'', facing the Seiden, to pay respects to the king, reaffirming their loyalty and offering new year's greetings to him. Officials lined up within the plaza according to their ranks, with the highest-ranking officials closest to the front, and the lowest-ranking ones at the back. The Sanshikan, on behalf of the entire court, approached an altar directly in front of the steps to the Seiden, lighting incense and offering prayers for the king's long life (''wansui'') and prosperity. Sliding panels underneath the ''[[karahafu]]'' gable at the front of the second story of the palace were then opened, revealing the King, on a throne. As in the ''Ni-nu-faa nu unu-fee'' ceremony, ''uzagaku'', trumpets, and gongs accompanied the audience. The ''chagushi'' served as master of ceremonies, instructing all those assembled, in Chinese, to kowtow to the king, three times (i.e. a full kowtow: three kneelings and nine knockings). The sliding doors under the ''karahafu'' were then closed, and the assembled officials withdrew, marking the end of this second ceremony.
The second ceremony, known by in Okinawan as ''Chô nu unu-fee'' (朝之御拝) or also as ''karafaafû mukigami kishiki'' (唐破豊向拝規式), took place around noon on the first day of the new year. Court officials lined up in the ''unaa'', facing the Seiden, to pay respects to the king, reaffirming their loyalty and offering new year's greetings to him. Officials lined up within the plaza according to their ranks, with the highest-ranking officials closest to the front, and the lowest-ranking ones at the back. The Sanshikan, on behalf of the entire court, approached an altar directly in front of the steps to the Seiden, lighting incense and offering prayers for the king's long life (''wansui'') and prosperity. Sliding panels underneath the ''[[karahafu]]'' gable at the front of the second story of the palace were then opened, revealing the King, on a throne. As in the ''Ni-nu-faa nu unu-fee'' ceremony, ''uzagaku'', trumpets, and gongs accompanied the audience. The ''chagushi'' served as master of ceremonies, instructing all those assembled, in Chinese, to kowtow to the king, three times (i.e. a full kowtow: three kneelings and nine knockings). The sliding doors under the ''karahafu'' were then closed, and the assembled officials withdrew, marking the end of this second ceremony.
The third of the New Year's ceremonies is known as ''ufu tuui'' (大通り), and involved the king sharing bottles of [[awamori]] with the members of the court, in celebration of the New Year. In today's modern reenactments of this ceremony, doors are opened on the first floor of the Seiden, revealing the king and queen seated on thrones, before a stand bearing bottles of awamori, and drinking cups. After the king and queen drink from the cups, pages (''koshô'') provide awamori to the gathered officials. A special type of liquor bottle known as ''utamasuki'' (御玉貫), covered within a beaded jacket, is used for this ritual purpose. However, according to other sources, this celebration of the new year was held first in the Nanden, on the southern side of the castle's main plaza, and was known as ''fee nu udun ukishiki'' (南風之御殿御規式). After changing from Chinese-style court costume into Ryukyuan garb, the king appeared before a group of officials who formally presented him with flowers and awamori. This liquor was then shared with officials gathered in the first floor throne room (''shichagui'') and with commoners gathered in the ''unaa'', in a ceremony known as ''mii nu mee jurii, miichi ukazai nu ukishiki'' (美御前揃三ツ御飾御規式). This marked the end of the formal ceremonies for the day.
The third of the New Year's ceremonies is known as ''ufu tuui'' (大通り), and involved the king sharing bottles of [[awamori]] with the members of the court, in celebration of the New Year. In today's modern reenactments of this ceremony, doors are opened on the first floor of the Seiden, revealing the king and queen seated on thrones, before a stand bearing bottles of awamori, and drinking cups (historically, the queen did not take part in New Year's ceremonies).<ref>Chia-Ying Yeh, "The Revival and Restoration of Ryukyuan Court Music, Uzagaku: Classification and Performance Techniques, Language Usage, and Transmission," PhD thesis, University of Sheffield (2018), 72.</ref> After the king and queen drink from the cups, pages (''koshô'') provide awamori to the gathered officials. A special type of liquor bottle known as ''utamasuki'' (御玉貫), covered within a beaded jacket, is used for this ritual purpose. However, according to other sources, this celebration of the new year was held first in the Nanden, on the southern side of the castle's main plaza, and was known as ''fee nu udun ukishiki'' (南風之御殿御規式). After changing from Chinese-style court costume into Ryukyuan garb, the king appeared before a group of officials who formally presented him with flowers and awamori. This liquor was then shared with officials gathered in the first floor throne room (''shichagui'') and with commoners gathered in the ''unaa'', in a ceremony known as ''mii nu mee jurii, miichi ukazai nu ukishiki'' (美御前揃三ツ御飾御規式). This marked the end of the formal ceremonies for the day.
On the second day of the new year, the king made formal visits to the Buddhist temples of [[Engaku-ji (Okinawa)|Engaku-ji]], [[Tenkai-ji]], and [[Tenno-ji (Okinawa)|Tennô-ji]].
On the third day of the new year, the king processed through the streets of Shuri with an entourage of some 300 members of court, to make formal visits to the Buddhist temples of [[Engaku-ji (Okinawa)|Engaku-ji]], [[Tenkai-ji]], and [[Tenno-ji (Okinawa)|Tennô-ji]], where he prayed for the peace and prosperity of the kingdom.<ref>Aharen Honkei 阿波連本啓, "Ikiru akashi" 生きる証し, ''Shurijô fukugen charity tokubetsu kôen'' 首里城復元チャリティ特別公演 (Naha: Kudaka Shôkichi geinô kikaku 久高将吉芸能企画, 1987), 95.; The date of this ceremony had previously been variable, but was set to the 3rd day beginning in [[1672]]. In the late 20th century, a reenactment of this ceremonial procession became a central element of the annual Shuri Culture Festival (''Shuri Bunka sai''). Tawada Shinjun 多和田真淳, "Koshiki no gyôretsu ni tsuite"「古式の行列について」, ''Shurijô fukugen charity tokubetsu kôen'', 69.</ref>
On the 15th day of the new year, the court repeated much the same ceremonies as on the first day, except with the King in Ryukyuan garb instead of his [[Ming Dynasty|Ming]]-style court costume.
On the 15th day of the new year, the court repeated much the same ceremonies as on the first day, except with the King in Ryukyuan garb instead of his [[Ming Dynasty|Ming]]-style court costume.
==8th Month==
==8th Month==
On 8/15, people engaged in ''[[tsukimi]]'', taking time to appreciate the moon. When a [[Chinese investiture envoys|Chinese investiture mission]] was in residence on Okinawa, [[Mid-Autumn Festival]] was celebrated with musical performances, horse races, sword dances, ballgames, and other activities.<ref name=fukai>Fukai Jinzô 深井甚三, ''Edo no yado'' 江戸の宿, Tokyo: Heibonsha (2000), 73.</ref>
On 8/15, people engaged in ''[[tsukimi]]'', taking time to appreciate the moon. When a [[Chinese investiture envoys|Chinese investiture mission]] was in residence on Okinawa, [[Mid-Autumn Festival]] was celebrated with musical performances, horse races, sword dances, ballgames, and other activities.<ref name=fukai>Fukai Jinzô 深井甚三, ''Edo no yado'' 江戸の宿, Tokyo: Heibonsha (2000), 73.</ref> A temporary stage was set up in front of the Hokuden of Shuri castle for dances and ''[[kumi udui]]'' theatre performances. This was followed by a banquet, and [[fireworks]].<ref>"Sappôshi kankei chôsai ni tsuite"「冊封使関係調査について」, Fee nu kaji 南ぬ風 5 (2007/10-12), 15.</ref>
On an auspicious day of the month, ''susuki'' (''miscanthus'') grasses or other sorts of reeds were used in a ritual to drive out bad spirits, called ''shibasashi''.
On an auspicious day of the month, ''susuki'' (''miscanthus'') grasses or other sorts of reeds were used in a ritual to drive out bad spirits, called ''shibasashi''.
In the [[Amami Islands]], many communities celebrate the end of the rice harvest with ceremonies and dances collectively called ''mihachigatsu''. Prayers and ceremonies known as ''arasetsu'', ''shibasashi'', and ''donga'' are performed, praying for the ancestors and for good harvests. Hand-drums known as ''chijin'' are drummed and ''[[hachigatsu odori]]'' dances are performed throughout the night. In many communities, this is the most energetic or exciting traditional event of the year.<ref>Gallery labels, "Mihachigatsu," Amami Nature and Culture Center, Amami Ôshima.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/49490985541/in/photostream/]</ref>
==9th Month==
==9th Month==
On 9/9, a purification ritual was performed, in which one purified one's body, and drove out bad things. When a Chinese [[investiture]] mission was in residence, [[Chrysanthemum Festival]] was celebrated with [[dragon boats|dragon boat races]], followed by the performance of six Chinese plays in the Hokuden (North Hall) of Shuri castle.<ref name=fukai/>
On 9/9, a purification ritual was performed, in which one purified one's body, and drove out bad things. When a Chinese [[investiture]] mission was in residence, [[Chrysanthemum Festival]] was celebrated with [[dragon boats|dragon boat races]], followed by a banquet and the performance of six Chinese plays in the Hokuden (North Hall) of Shuri castle.<ref name=fukai/>
On an auspicious day within the month, the king visited [[Futenma Shrine]].
On an auspicious day within the month, the king visited [[Futenma Shrine]].