These were songs sung or chanted at the festival and ceremonial rites
held throughout the year. Their content expressed prayers in appreciation
to the gods for a fertile harvest of grain, protection against calamity and
prayers for good health..These songs can be heard today. For example, in the Shitsu harvest festival on Miyako, the Uyagan, the Buri of Yaeyama, the seed-raising festivals, the Ungami sea god festival of the northern Hokubu area, as well as the Umachi religious rites in each of the regions of Okinawa that are held in February-March.
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"Izaiho" Kudaka Island |