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| @The folk culture of Okinawa has taken shape under the great
influence from local religious beliefs. For example, the creation
of the Utaki or sacred grounds established on Okinawa. The Utaki
are not buildings, such as the shrines of mainland Japan, but
are instead places in the forested groves. The incense burners
and stones identify the landmarks as Utaki sacred areas. The
rites held in the Utaki center around the goddesses called Shinjo.
Women play a central role in religious activities on Okinawa.
There is the phrase Unaishin or goddess that carries the meaning
of "sisters to men". The belief in the Unaishin goddesses expresses
the spiritual protection given to brothers. Women also play
an essential role in the religious aspects of festivals. The
system of the Noro or priestesses was institutionalized during
the Ryukyu Kingdom era and since the breakup of the kingdom,
they still preside over the village festivals. Women overwhelmingly
carry out the occupation of Yuta or shaman. The Yuta are consulted
for decisions on omens of a more personal level rather than
for the larger public festivals presided over by Noro. In this
way, the spiritual power of women plays a large and central
role in religious activities in Okinawa. |
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| @There are many Okinawan words concerning religious belief
and festivals. There are the Shisa Chinese lion-dog guardian
statues and the stones inscribed with the phrase Ishiganto that
guard against malevolent spirits. There is the Hinukan fire
god that protect houses, the Honen Harvest festivals, the Haari
Dragonboat races and the Tug-of Wars that are held throughout
the islands. Diverse festivals and events are held throughout
the year related to farming and fishing, ancestor worship, and
to delineate the seasons. On Okinawa and the adjacent islands,
Honen harvest festivals and rites called Umanchu are held in
the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th months on the old lunar calendar.
Additionally, in Okinawa there is the belief in Nirai Kanai,
a utopia across the seas that bring good fortune and bountiful
harvests. In the northern areas of Okinawa Island, the Unjami
Ocean festival is held in the 7th month of the lunar calendar. |
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| @The shape and large size of tombs in Okinawa are very different
from those on the mainland of Japan. The undulating bargeboard
and turtleback styles of tombs show influence from China. The
reason many of the tombs are quite large is because they were
developed to inter the remains of whole family groups. These
large tombs are owned jointly. During the Shimi (festival for
the deceased), Jurukunichi (the 16th day of the New Year on
the lunar calendar), and the Tanabata Star Festival, family
members come to worship at the tombs. In many areas, elegant
Okinawan ethnic customs remain. Customs such as the old style
red tiled roofs, the coral limestone walls surrounding the houses,
and the use of Fukugi (garcinia) trees as windbreaks. The folk
culture of Okinawa can be seen easily in the everyday utilitarian
articles used by people made from the animals, plants, stones,
and shells of the subtropics as well as the scientifically valuable
information contained in the folktales which can only be found
in the ancient documents distributed throughout China and Southeast
Asia. |
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