The Nachi Fire Festival, also known as the Nachi Fan Festival (Nachi no Ogi Matsuri), is one of Japan’s three major fire festivals, held annually on July 14th at the Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine in Wakayama Prefecture. The festival celebrates the return of the gods staying in the shrine to the sacred Nachi Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan. The uebochi and mikoshi are the two central figures of the Nachi Fire Festival, each playing a distinct and symbolic role in this ancient ritual.
Guardians of the Sacred Flame
The uebochi, or torchbearers, are a group of men chosen from the local community to carry the twelve massive torches during the festival. Dressed in white robes and head coverings, they navigate the steep stone path from the Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine towards the base of the Nachi Falls. The torches they carry, representing the twelve deities of the Kumano mountains, and their flames serve to purify the path and ward off evil spirits.
The Sacred Dance of the Mikoshi
The mikoshi, or portable shrines, are elaborate structures that symbolize the sacred waterfall. They are adorned with mirrors, representing the divine spirit, and fans (ogi), which are believed to possess the power to ward off evil and bring good fortune. The mikoshi are carried by teams of local men, who chant and gracefully sway as they bear the weight of the shrines down the mountain path.
The collaboration between the uebochi and the mikoshi is a central aspect of the festival. As the mikoshi descend the mountain, they are met by the torchbearers, who purify them with sparks from the flames. This symbolic act of cleansing prepares the mikoshi for the gods’ journey and enhances the spiritual connection between the earthly and divine realms.
The uebochi and mikoshi, together with the fire and water of the Nachi Falls, create a powerful and evocative spectacle that has captivated audiences for centuries. Their roles in the festival embody the deep reverence for nature and the spiritual significance of fire in Japanese culture, making the Nachi Fire Festival a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Beyond the visual splendor, The Nachi Fire Festival offers a glimpse into the heart of Japanese spirituality, where reverence for nature and ancestral traditions intertwine. It’s a reminder of the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world, and the importance of preserving these ancient rituals for generations to come.
