Once every ten years, in the month of September, a very important ceremony takes place on Rogetsu Isle (main island of the Rogetsu Islands).
This is the Rogetsu Kagura.
The Rogetsu Kagura is a representation of a means of direct communication between the living and the dead.
Its origins are uncertain, but the people of Rogetsu Isle have carried it down through the ages as a way to honor the deceased.
A maiden called the Vessel dances herself into a trance to the accompaniment of music played by five girls called Organs. The dance continues well into the night.
Not only the Vessel and the Organs wear masks during the Kagura. All those present as observers wear masks and hold candles while watching the ceremony.
As the island's most important festival, the Kagura calls those born on Rogetsu Isle home every ten years. They are said to make the journey no matter how far away they live.
Once accessible only to such natives, the Kagura was opened to visitors 30 years ago and is now the central tourist attraction on the island.
"What is the Rogetsu Kagura?"
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"What is the Rogetsu Kagura?" | |
| |
| Kanji | 朧月神楽について ろうげつ かぐら に ついて |
| Game | Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse |
| Author | Unknown |
| Chapter | Phase III: Lost Day |
| Located at | Haibara Infirmary, Reference Room |
| Obtained | On the shelf |
| Description | Pamphlet about the Rogetsu Kagura. |
| Additional Description | There's a flyer posted up here. |
| Related Notes | Rougetsu Island Tourism Brochure & Rougetsu Kagura Event Details |
朧月島では、10年に一度の
神去月、すなわち10月に
「朧月神楽」と呼ばれる
神事が執り行われます。
起原は定かではありませんが、
朧月島の人たちによって
受け継がれてきた祭りで、
死者と生者の対話を表現し、
故人を偲ぶことが
目的と伝えられています。
面をつけた器（うつわ）と呼ばれる
踊り手の巫女と、奏（かなで）と呼ばれる、
楽器を演奏する５人の少女たちが
幻想的な神楽を夜を通して舞い踊ります。
観客たちもおのおの面をかぶり、
手に灯明を持ち、神楽を見守ります。
長い間、秘祭として秘密のベールに
つつまれていましたが、30年前から
一般の観光客にも公開されるようになりました。
なお、島民にとってこの神楽は
10年に一度の大切な祭りで、
遠く島を離れた島民も、神楽の日には
かならず島に帰ってくると言われています。