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| 1.Fish presented as offerings
are prepared as sashimi (raw) or deep fried at each
ritual hut. |
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| 2.The Kunigami
(one of the priestesses) recites prayers for a good
catch and safe voyages. After these prayers, participants
consume the fish and Unbai
rice balls at the Yadui
huts. |
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Rites praying for an abundant catch and good health are practiced
by men on Kudaka Island on November 13th of the lunar calendar.
The term, "Amidushi"
literally means "the lowering of fishing nets" or
"fishing net companions." The ritual allows three
priestesses to offer prayers but the rest are conducted solely
by males under seventy.
The ritual is officiated by men holding authority among the
local fishermen. They supervise a drive-fishing rite in which
fish, along with awamori and rice, are offered to the gods
of the sea at seven temporary huts set up on a slope in a
fishing port. When the ritual concludes, the fish are distributed
to villagers.
Designation: National Selected Cultural
Property
Photo Courtesy of: Chinen Village Board of Education |
