THE EMPEROR'S DEATH AND THE POLLUTION CAUSED BY PHYSICAL CONTACTS WITH THE DEAD BODY IN THE LATE MIDDLE AGES

- Study on a change in the Naishi-dokoro -

Abstract

The ceremony of the Emperor's death in the late middle age were set up according to precedent.
In contrast, after the death of the Emperor in the Meiwa period, the shimenawa were hung across the naishi-dokoro where the Shinkyo (one of the Imperial Regalia) was placed. This purpose of the sanctification of the naishi-dokoro was to succeed to the sacred throne. And, at the same time, it was made clear that the Emperor's death was unhallowed as Shokue which mean the pollution caused by physical contacts with the dead body.