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The ''gosekku'' (lit. "five seasonal festivals") were five of the most important seasonal rites performed by the Imperial Court.

The ''gosekku'' (lit. "five seasonal festivals") were five of the most important seasonal rites performed by the Imperial Court.

Around New Year's, courtiers processed before the emperor in a ritual known as the Kochohai festival.

*''Jinjitsu no sekku'' - 1st month, 7th day, seven herbs were eaten. Also known as Nanakusa no sekku, Wakana no sekku. In the Imperial Court, this was accompanied by a rite called Kochôhai.

*''Jômi no sekku'' or ''Jôshi''<!--上巳--> - 3/3, Girls' Festival, Dolls Festival, aka [[Hina matsuri]]. Also celebrated as the Kyokusui festival, emulating the famous [[Orchid Pavilion]] gathering organized by [[Wang Xizhi]] in [[353]]. In emulation of that event, courtiers composed poetry while floating wine cups down a stream in one of the palace gardens.

*''Tango no sekku'' - 5/5 Boys' Festival, aka [[Kodomo no hi]]. Celebrated in the Court as an iris festival.

*''[[Tanabata]]'' - 7/7 The festival of the Weaver Star. Called Kikkoden in the Court.

*''Chôyô no sekku'' - 9/9, [[Chrysanthemum Festival]]. A festival in connection with the rice harvest, and related to one in China which involved the drinking of chrysanthemum wine.

The Kyokusui Festival, performed on 3/3, emulated the famous [[Orchid Pavilion]] gathering organized by [[Wang Xizhi]] in [[353]]. In emulation of that event, courtiers composed poetry while floating wine cups down a stream in one of the palace gardens.

During the [[Tokugawa period]], the first, 15th, and 28th days of each month were also ceremonial days.

 

On 5/5, the Court observed an iris festival.

 

The festival celebrated on 7/7, today called [[Tanabata]], was in the court traditionally called Kikkoden.

 

On 9/9, the Court observed a festival in connection with the rice harvest; known as Choyo, the festival was related to one in China which involved the drinking of chrysanthemum wine.

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==References==

==References==

*Gallery label, Freer Gallery of Art, "Gosekku: The Five Ancient Festivals of the Imperial Court," [[Ikeda Koson]], set of five hanging scrolls, c. 1830, F1999.5.1a-f.

*Gallery label, Freer Gallery of Art, "Gosekku: The Five Ancient Festivals of the Imperial Court," [[Ikeda Koson]], set of five hanging scrolls, c. 1830, F1999.5.1a-f.

[[Category:Nara Period]]

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[[Category:Culture]]