Religion and Custom in Ryukyu

Abstract

In the study of the traditional religion in Okinawa, Ryukyu Shintoki (1648 ; Ryukyuan Shintoism) by the Buddhist Taichu was the first work, which was followed by many others. However, most of their data were taken from documents three or four hundred years old, from records prepared by politically-oriented Shinto sources in later times, and from customs which had undergone great change. Therefore, those who have observed and studied religious ceremonies for a long time cannot agree with their conclusions. The author uses old customs in an attempt to search for the original folk beliefs prevalent when the villages were first established, and the primitive form of Shintoism in Ryukyu, excluding such religious forms as those systematized for political reasons in later times, or those which have been recently introduced and mixed with other religious customs. 1. Structure of Village and Organization of Community. A. Central part of village (Nakanomiyako) a. Utaki or Ugami (Holy wood or place of worship) b. Kami-ashagi (Small shrine) c. Finu-kannu-tun (Shrine of fire-god) d. Ncro dunchi (Residence of priestess) e. Mura-jimu-shu (Village office) B. Tamutu or Makyo nu-ni (parts of village other than Nakanomiyako) 2. Function of Noro (Priestess) A. Election of Priestess. B. Time of O-Arauri (Coming down of god from Heaven) C. Wood to hold O-Arauri D. Ceremony of O-Arauri a. Rite at shrine of Fire-god. b. Parade c. Observances in Holy Wood (U-Taki) 1. Ubinadi (Purification by water) 2. Putting washed rice on head. 3. Offering sake-wine to God. 4. Sleeping with God. E. Funeral service of Noro (Priestess). 3. Priestesses and the Associated Politico-festival System. A. Wunai (Cooking girl in service to Priestess). B. Nibutui (Spoon-holder to offer sacred Sake wine to God) C. Makisedo (Oldman, assistant of priestess) D. Noro (Official Priestess of village) E. Naikomori (Woman assistant of priestess) F. Ni-gami (Family priestess) G. Other Kaminchu (Women to take part in festival ceremonies)