Origin Recorded in the Engishiki, completed 927 CE; the festival itself declined during the mid-Heian period
The norito for the Michiae no Matsuri (Festival of the Road Gods) is preserved in the Engishiki of 927 CE alongside the Oharae no Kotoba, which this atlas also covers, recited twice yearly at the four corners of the roads leading into the old capital to the road deities Yachimata-hiko, Yachimata-hime and Kunado, warding off demons and epidemic spirits before they could enter the city. The festival and its norito gradually fell out of use during the mid-Heian period as the newer Festival of the Four Directions took over a similar protective role.
Facts
Origins
Origin PeriodRecorded in the Engishiki, completed 927 CE; the festival itself declined during the mid-Heian period 1 Attributed Author / CompilerAnonymous; a court liturgical text 1 Practice
Who Performs ItClergy or ordained officiants 1 FrequencyAs the occasion requires 1 Solitary or CommunalPerformed by an officiant for a recipient 1 Use
What It Is Used ForProtection against harm 1 Form
Form of the Text Cross-Tradition Connections
Addressed To
Attested In
Belongs to Tradition
Originates in Language
Matches its own already-established language enum value (japanese); preserved in the Engishiki of 927 CE.
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