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"Nirai Kanai is a world far
out in the seas where gods exist. In this remote world is the
origin of all riches; wealth, fertility and life."
 In
many villages or communities where tradition strongly lives,
it is believed that gods would visit from Nirai
Kanai once a year to give their blessings and then return
to their world. Rituals observing the appearance of these gods
still remain present in many festivals held to this day.
In one myth, the origin of fire, an essential factor for human
life, is believed to have come from this Nirai
Kanai. In another myth describing the origin of grains
harvested in Okinawa, such a legend exists:
| "From far out in the seas where
Nirai Kanai exists, drifted a pot to Kudaka, an island
to the east of southern Okinawa. In the pot were five
kinds of grains, including wheat and millet, but no grains
of rice. Thus, the legendary god, Amamikiyo, descended
and summoned an eagle to Nirai Kanai to get these grains.
The eagle traveled a long journey and returned with three
grains of rice between its beak. Amamikiyo then planted
these grains at Ukinju Hainju*". |
* a spring in southern Hyakuna, Tamagusuku
Nirai
Kanai and their gods are believed to be the origin of
all forms of life in Okinawa and through their blessings, fertility,
or "yuu", is brought
to people once a year.
When
a field is harvested for the year, a new "yuu",
or source of power, is needed. Hence, gods are welcomed or drawn
from Nirai Kanai
to bring a new "yuu."
Through rituals and festivals, people celebrate and express
joy that their yuu "ga
naotta", or literally "revived or renewed."
Gods
visiting from Nirai Kanai are
mostly ideological and invisible on the main island of Okinawa.
On the other hand, in the Yaeyama Islands (another major island
group of Okinawa, it is believed that gods from Nirai
Kanai take on tangible forms and are visible. These gods
are incarnated by young community members wearing masks and
costumes. |
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