Religion:Saisaki-mode

From HandWiki
Short description: To go to Hatsumode before the new year

Saisaki-mode (幸先詣) referred to the practice of visiting shrines and temples earlier than usual for Hatsumōde in 2021 during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This practice aimed to avoid the usual crowds of worshippers and the resultant difficulties in maintaining social distancing. The concept was first proposed by a shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture and subsequently encouraged by the Fukuoka Prefecture Shrine Agency.[1]

There is a traditional Japanese custom of exchanging end-of-year greetings, and preparing for the New Year by the end of December with a sentiment of hoping for a "auspicious start" to the year. This concept resonated well with this sentiment and quickly spread nationwide. There are also shrines and temples that refer to this practice as "Saisaki-mairi (幸先参り)".[2]

Shrines and temples that perform good luck pilgrimages

Students taking the entrance exam at Yushima Tenmangu Shrine, where a banner of "Happy New Year" is displayed.
  • Shrines in Fukuoka Prefecture
  • Kanda Shrine (Tokyo Chiyoda, Tokyo)[3]
  • Yushima Tenmangū (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bunkyō)[4]
  • Jindai-ji (Tokyo, Chofu City)[5]
  • Omi Shrine (Shiga Prefecture Ōtsu)[6]
  • Kasuga-taisha (Nara Prefecture Nara City)[7]

Footnotes

See also

  • Hatsumōde
  • Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religion

External links