FIRE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NARA: WAKAKUSA YAMAYAKI FESTIVAL
- José Carlos Gómez Delgado
- Jan 25, 2016
- 1 min read
Mount Wakakusa, which rises on the eastern border of Nara Park, was originally a volcano, interesting reference, since the fourth Saturday in January every year this mountain is wrapped in flames as a reflection of its past.
The origin of the festival is unclear. The most widespread hypothesis argues that it was a territorial dispute between the Kofukuji and Todaiji temples, focusing on the mountain, which began the tradition. At the height of tensions, the mountain was completely burned. For this reason, both temples and Kasuga Shrine, are involved in the festival. Other hypotheses suggest extermination of insect pests or wild boar away by fire.
The festival begins at noon with a series of smaller events in Nara Park, that could not attend because I was drinking sake in Daianji temple. The climax takes place at 6 p.m., as dark, with controlled burning of dry grass on the mountain. Previously, there are ceremonies and prayers before the fire, after which the Hana-bi, or fireworks took place . Just at the moment when fireworks end, Wakakusayama burning starts.
The audience gathers on the hill, where there is also a stage with performances, and many food stalls.
In case of rain, the festival would be postponed. Although it rained during the beginning of the burning of the mountain, the rain was not abundant enough to stop the festival, although it retained a little the flames; as the grass was wet, no fire lit up the night of Nara as in previous years. But still, the festival offered us beautiful images.
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