Religious Tradition in Japan - Geography of Religion in Japan: Religious Space, Landscape, and Behavior - page 22

Fig. 2.5 Onbashira of
ubusunasha in the Suwa
region

world axis, which penetrates all three worlds. Shamans can traverse through these
worlds using the pillars. The sacred trees represent the cyclical regeneration of life,
thus symbolizing its very existence.

2.1.4 Tree Worship in Japan and the Onbashira Festival

The Onbashira festival of the Suwa Taisha, which consists of four shrines, is a sig-
nifi cant example of tree worship in Japan. It evokes the image of Ujiko (shrine
parishioners) sitting astride onbashira (wooden pillars), accompanied by bravely
marching trumpeters. Held every seven years in the year of the tiger and monkey (in
accordance with the Chinese zodiac), the Onbashira festival is famous as one of the
three most unconventional Japanese festivals. The festival, celebrated in diverse
ways, is held at both large and small shrines in the Suwa District (Fig. 2.5 ). The
offi cial name of the festival is the Onbashira ; it is one of the most divine events held
at the Suwa Taisha and has been celebrated since ancient times. It is a sacramental
event in which the shrine hall is rebuilt (nowadays, partially rebuilt) by vertically
positioning large momi fi r trees at the four corners. Previously, Japanese hemlock,
sawara cypress, pine trees, and larch were used. The Suwa Taisha, one of Japan's
most prestigious ancient shrines, was described in Engishiki-Jinmyocho (927) and