Wakari Shrine Festival one The first day of the Lunar New Year that year was February 7th. That night, starting at eleven o'clock, a long-distance bus in Moji city was temporarily dispatched, leaving continuously, taking passengers to Cape Hefukari in the northwest.It was a freezing night that was about to frost. The bus ran along the narrow coastal road for 30 minutes, came to a headland slightly protruding from the strait, and let the guests get off.The headland is located on the top of the Kyushu side of the Kanmon (Shimonoseki to Moji) Strait. The coastal area is full of farmhouses, with wakame drying under the eaves, and the sea breeze is mixed with the smell of fish.

The bus stops in front of the archway of the shrine.Passengers got off the bus one by one and entered through the archway.Several bonfires are lit in the shrine grounds.The weather was cold, and the people around the bonfire formed several circles. In front of the shrine was the dark sea.Dimly lit on the other side, that is Kamanoura on the Shimonoseki side. The strait is very narrow, and people with good eyesight at night can clearly see the rapid flow of the tide. It seems that this is not the sea, but a river. The name of the shrine is Wagari Shrine.Tonight, both the main hall and the office are brightly lit.In front of the altar, the sound of clapping and praying is endless (the Japanese custom clap before and after prayer).The priest has been reciting congratulatory speeches frequently since early in the morning, with the sound of the flute curling up and the sound of drums, as if trying to break through the cold air outside.

Under the red light of the bonfire, the wooden buildings of the shrine look mysterious and solemn.In summer nights, this feature is not obvious.Because the cold wind is biting now, it adds to the sense of austerity. The ceremony here starts every year at midnight on New Year's Eve until dawn on the first day of the new year.Around 2:30 in the morning is the low tide time, and the ceremony reaches its climax at this time. More and more tourists gathered in the courtyard, and they all came to watch this ancient ceremony.There were more than 3,000 people in black shadows by the time midnight approached.

Of course, most people come here to see the gods, but there are also people who come here specifically to gather and find inspiration for haiku and waka (both translations and annotations of Japanese poetry).It is not unusual for haiku writers to come from as far away as Tokyo or the Kansai region.In one season, the theme of the haiku club was the Wabu Kari God Festival. It was nearly two o'clock at night. However, there is still some time before the tide ebbs. Inside the main hall, the voice of the congratulations was even louder.The crowd of tourists increased a lot, and some people were so crowded that they had to stand on the stone wall.

Below the stone wall is the sea.The rocks are densely covered, and the white waves are surging.Inside the shrine, the lights were completely turned off. In order to consider safety issues, the police sent several boats to stop in the strait and shine their searchlights on the sea. Sightseeing by boat is not possible.The ebb tide is about to begin, and some land is exposed on both sides of the strait. The lights in the shrine faded away, leaving only a few bonfires.The priest wearing a black gauze hat took out a large bunch of dried bamboo from the main hall, and lit the bamboo on the bonfire, crackling and burning loudly.

The ceremony is about to begin Afterwards, several priests walked down the steps.One is holding a sickle, and the other is holding a barrel with both hands.Both the sickle and the wooden barrel have been passed down since ancient times.At that time, the water level of the sea had receded below the stone wall.The rocky reefs, which are absolutely invisible in daylight, are exposed one by one. The archway of the shrine faces the sea. From the archway, there are stone steps leading directly to the sea. The priests lit a bonfire with a large bamboo tube, rolled up the sleeves of their robes, held the hem of the robe in one hand, and held the bonfire high with the other hand, and walked down the stone steps first.Thousands of spectators in the dark all focused their eyes on the back of the priest illuminated by the bonfire.

They stepped on the water and went straight to the rocks.In some places, the water was knee-deep, and everyone who watched felt shivering with cold. On that day, 2:43 in the morning was the low tide period. A priest bent down to cut wakame from the sea.Another priest next to him was carrying a white bucket and filled the bucket with the cut vegetables. The voice of the congratulations was getting louder and louder, especially clear and clear in the cold night. two The sound of Kagura is endless.All the lights disappeared, and it was pitch black both on land and at sea. Only the bonfire on the bamboo tube reflected the water surface red.The priest trembled while cutting vegetables.In the frosty February, if you submerge the lower part of your knees in seawater late at night, you will probably feel numbness in your legs in less than ten minutes.Thousands of shadows stared at the ritual by the water in the darkness.

The ceremony reached its climax.The human voice was silent, and the tidal sound roared, like thunder, moving the ground.This situation has become the object of haiku chanting for many years. At this moment, the lights of the ships passing through the bay were also extinguished.On the other side of Tanzhipu, every household closed their doors and it was pitch black.This is because, since ancient times, anyone who peeks at this divine event has been punished by the gods.The gods enshrined in this shrine are named Manju and Ganzhu, so in Changfu Bay from Tanzhipu to the east, there are also islands named after Manzhu Island and Ganzhu Island. Needless to say, even these islands are in the dark. in the shadows.

The cut seaweed is packed into white wooden barrels on the rocks.The white attire worn by the priest reflected the light of the fire and looked very pure.At this moment, regardless of time and space, people feel that they have returned to ancient times. The ceremony reached its climax.Only the rushing tide thinks of the earth.There are many haikus chanting this scene. However, it is not only haiku that recorded this scene.The modern camera world also played a role.At the climax of the ceremony, among the visitors, flashing lights kept flashing.Although there are professional photographers from newspapers and other offices, most of them are amateur photographers among the masses.

Originally, it was not allowed to take pictures during the ceremony.The audience, relying on the cover of darkness and the convenience of the flash, kept filming. About ten minutes later, the priest, holding a wooden barrel full of wakame, returned from the rock to the stone steps and climbed up the steps.Among the crowd, there was applause, and in the hall, the sound of chanting and praying words continued. The priest walked up the stone steps, re-entered the hall, filled the freshly cut wakame into earthenware, and offered it to the gods.In addition, two cups of divine wine were poured for a wooden fish.All rituals are performed in accordance with ancient rituals.By this time, artificial lighting was restored in the shrine courtyard, and the chandeliers in the main hall were lit.

The Kagura began again, and the greetings continued.At this time, it was past three o'clock.It was still early before dawn. However, the scene of the priest wearing the sacred clothes entering the sea in person is the highest peak of the ceremony. After that, the crowd gradually dispersed. There are not many people of God left. Afterwards, all that remained were the feasts and chanting at the shrine. The bus ran all night, and after three o'clock, it began to transport passengers from the shrine back to Mojiko Station.Tourists not only come from Kokura, Hachiman, Tobata, and Zenmatsu in Kitakyushu, but also from Fukuoka, Kumagi, Oita and other places.There are not a few people from Tokyo and Osaka. Those who went back after watching the ceremony, without exception, all had purple complexions.This is because of the sea breeze blowing all night. It was about eight o'clock that morning. A guest arrives at the Daikichi Inn near Kokura Station.Thirty-seven or eighteen years old, wearing a black coat, carrying a large brown leather suitcase, with a camera and a flashlight leather bag on his shoulder.I didn't take a car, but walked here. You are here.The female workers went forward to meet them. Because the hotel is near the station, it is not surprising that there are tourists who come to stay early in the morning. I am Mineoka from Tokyo, the guest said in a calm tone: I once sent a telegram. Mr. Mineoka Yes, the telegram has been received.The female worker bowed her head.Please, please come in. Are you ready for your room? Yes, ready. ok, thank you. The female worker is a girl in her twenties and thirties, with a round chin, quite cute. Guests are taken to the second floor.There are two suites, and the guests walk to the corridor of the big room to look out.Outside is the courtyard of the hotel, with gurgling spring water, and the decoration is simple and unadorned. Oh, this room faces inwards.The guest muttered to himself. Thank you so much for giving me the room.Guests sit down by the brazier. While adding charcoal, the female worker said, "As long as there is a telegram, it must be ready to be delivered." It was a great help, it's hard to do without a room in such a cold weather.The guest entered the room, still wearing his overcoat.As if to hold the brazier, stretch out both hands to warm the fire. Is it so cold inside the train?The female worker looked at the guest who was almost trembling. No, if you are in a train, there must be heating.I didn't take the train.From last night to this morning, I have been standing in the sea breeze all night. Ah, what did you do? It is a festival at Wanukari Shrine of Moji, a sightseeing shrine. Oh, I see.The female worker nodded.According to this, today should be the first day of the Lunar New Year. Are you a local too? Yes, my hometown is five miles away from Xiaocang, called Xingqiao.However, I have never seen the rituals of the Wabu Kari Shrine. Yeah?The more locals are, the less likely they are to go to appreciate it. During the conversation, the guests almost put their faces on the brazier. It's quite hard to stand on the beach for one night in such cold. But no, the back is still cold now. Otherwise, I'll turn up the heat. Yes, make it bigger. The female worker added some more charcoal.After a while, the room warms up.If we knew, we should have turned on the fire earlier to warm up the room and wait for you to come. Since it is a telegram, it cannot be explained so clearly. The guest is from Tokyo?asked the female worker. yes. Ah, you came to Moji for sightseeing and festivals from Tokyo so far away? Not really. It's amazing.The female worker finally revealed her local accent. What, you think I like to have fun? yes.For people like us, to go sightseeing in Tokyo, that's a big deal.And you actually made this trip just for the Bukai ceremony, so it's really remarkable.So, the festival of Hebu Kari Shrine is very famous in Tokyo? Ordinary people don't know it, but it is famous among some people.Those who came to see it from afar are either those who like haiku or waka. Sir, you also like to compose haiku and waka! The same can be said.The guest rubs his eyes.Thank you, my body is almost warmed up, and I want to sleep.I didn't sleep all night last night and stood there all night. Then please rest.Make the bed immediately? right.I was so sleepy that I wanted to sleep right away. well.Well, let me prepare Tang Pozi first. three While the maids were making the beds, the guests sat on wicker chairs on the porch, admiring the courtyard of the hotel. This yard is nice!Guests praise. yes.Although the house has been rebuilt, the layout and furnishings of the yard are still the same, left over from previous generations.The female worker said while holding out the quilt. No wonder, I feel antique.The stones are covered with moss. This is where our boss is most proud. The guest asked the female worker: What is your name? me?The female worker smiled and said: My name is Wenzi. Awen?You are very beautiful! where?Not far! How about it.I have a camera with me, and I will leave a souvenir here, and use the back yard as the background to take a picture of you. Good is good, I'm sorry!The female worker is still refusing. You're welcome, it doesn't matter.When I get back to Tokyo, I will send it to you immediately. Yeah?The female workers did not completely refuse. good!I'll wait for you in the yard first.The guest stands up.Then OK, OK, I'll be right there.The female worker finally fully agreed. The guest opened the camera leather bag and took out the camera, which was covered with a black leather case. Wenzi looked at the leather hanging bag and said: You carry this big bag for sightseeing, isn't it heavy? It's not a hassle.But Xishu takes pictures, that's all I have to do, carrying it on my back every day.I went to Wabu Kari Shrine last night and took a photo. Can it be photographed at night? No, use flash.So there is only half of the film left, let me take a photo for you! Ahh, don't waste it.Just took a picture of the statue, and then took another picture for me. not afraid.Hurry up and take a photo right now. The guest walked out of the corridor and walked slowly down the steps. He was tall, slightly fat, with a kind face. He put on his clogs, browsed the rockery in the yard, and looked at the flowers and trees.Sleepy eyes, as if to sleep. Keeping you waiting.Awen walked slowly from the corridor to the guests wearing clogs. Well, sure enough, it's here.The guest immediately took off the camera from his shoulder, led Awen to the appropriate place, and began to check the distance and lens. How is it here?Awen stood in front of a small bridge on the pool with a smile, and behind the bridge was a rockery. The composition is very good!The guest looked at the mirror box, well, take a picture!When the fingers pressed down, there was a slight click. thank you!Arwen bowed. Take another photo.The guest stayed where he was, and clicked again. very good.This time, please stand a little forward.Just change the background.The guest stretched out his hand and pointed out a new location for Awen. Enough is enough.Awen is humble. And film, take another photo. I am sorry.According to the opinions of the guests, Awen changed his position. This time, the guest is kneeling on the ground, and the camera changes its angle from bottom to top. Ah Wen, wow.Another female worker walked down the corridor, sarcastically speaking. do not look at me!Awen twisted his body and acted like a baby. Faster this time!The guest adjusted the angle and pressed the shutter two or three times. Well, thank you for your hard work.He brushed the dust off his knees. Arwen bowed again: Thank you! The posture is very beautiful.I see, can be a masterpiece! real? I returned to Tokyo and sent it right away.I know the address of the hotel, so just write your name. What a trouble to you.Ah Wen ran into the building in three steps in two steps.The guest followed, walking slowly up the steps to his room. He stopped by chance, stretched out his arms, stretched, and yawned again. It's time to rest!Ah Wen followed behind, holding Mrs. Tang in his hand. I'm really sorry, but the water in the tub isn't very hot yet. It doesn't matter.As long as there is Tang Pozi under the quilt, I can fall asleep immediately. I am so sorry.Ah Wen knelt beside the quilt and put Mrs. Tang inside.Slapped it a few times from above, and said: Please sleep.After speaking, she pushed the paper door shut. An hour passed.Ah Wen still remembered that it was half past nine. The man who sent the telegram came to the hotel and asked: Is there a Mr. Mineoka Monday living here?