Local Customs

Local Customs Kanji 水籠地方の風習 Game Fatal Frame V Author Unknown Chapter Eighth Drop Located at Kurosawa's Antiques, Office Obtained On the bookshelf Description It's a book about old customs from this region. It talks about something called "Mikomori." Additional Description I found a book titled "Local Customs." It seems to be about the customs in the area around Mt. Hikami. Related Notes

"Mikomori"

In the area around Mt. Hikami there is a custom of receiving water from the mountain. People call it "Mikomori", and it is placed in casks to bring into their homes, used only for special ceremonies.

It is used to give a newborn its first bath, or to cleanse the bodies of the dead.

This stems from the belief that the soul comes from the water, and returns to it in death.

Another use for this water is known as the "cry of the mountain."

According to an old woman in the village, there is a saying:

"When Hikami lets out a cry, one must wash in Mikomori."

When Mt. Hikami "cries out," or rumbles, one ritually immerses oneself or otherwise wets oneself with the water.

The custom likely comes from the mountain's sound being a bad omen, and they use the Pure Water as a sort of ward.

"But when the water dries, your daughters may be gone. Do not go in search when the mountain is awake."

This must refer to girls being taken to the mountain after the ward has worn off, an explanation for the number of girls going missing in the area.