What is Ebisu-ko? When it is held, its origin, and nationally famous festivals
Ebisu-kou" is a festival to worship Ebisu-sama. Ebisu-sama is one of the gods of Japan and is famous for being included in the seven gods of good fortune. You have probably seen him somewhere with a fishing rod in his hand, holding a large fish. He is believed by fishermen and farmers to bring bountiful catches, and is also believed by merchants as a god of prosperity. It is also believed in by merchants as a god of prosperity.
In this article, we will explain "Ebisu-ko," an event related to Ebisu-sama. Please read on as we introduce the basics of Yebisu-ko and famous Yebisu-ko in Japan.
What Is the Ebisu Festival?
What exactly is the “Ebisu Festival”? And when is it held? First, let’s go over some basic information about the Ebisu Festival.
Ebisu Festival Events
"Ebisu-kō" is an event held around the 10th month of the lunar calendar to honor Ebisu-sama. The word "kō" implies a gathering of believers. In other words, Ebisu-kō refers to a gathering of people who worship Ebisu-sama.The Ebisu Festival is held to pray for “prosperity in business,” which is the blessing bestowed by Ebisu-sama. Depending on how Ebisu-sama is referred to, the festival may also be written as “Ebisu-kō,” “Ebisu-kō,” “Ebisu-kō,” “Hiru-kō,” or “Ebisu-kō.”
The time of year when the Ebisu Festival is held
The dates for the Ebisu Festival vary by region, but it is often held on January 10, January 20, October 20, and November 20 each year. In the Kanto region, it tends to be held on January 20 or October 20.Ebisu festivals held on the 20th of the month are called “Nijū-ka Ebisu” (20th-Day Ebisu). In contrast, in the Kansai region, they are often held on January 10. Similarly, Ebisu festivals held on the 10th of the month are called “Jū-ka Ebisu” (10th-Day Ebisu).
The Origins of the Ebisu Festival and Lord Ebisu
The Ebisu Festival is an event that has been held throughout Japan since ancient times. In this article, we’ll explain the origins of the Ebisu Festival and introduce “Ebisu-sama,” the deity enshrined during the festival. We’ll also touch on the characteristics of the Seven Lucky Gods, including Ebisu-sama, so be sure to check it out.
The Origins of the Ebisu Festival
The 10th month of the lunar calendar, when the Ebisu Festival is held, is also known as “Kaminazuki” or “Kannazuki.”This alternative name, “Kaminazuki,” is linked to a legend that states the eight million (yaoyorozu) deities from all over Japan gather at Izumo Taisha in the 10th month of the lunar calendar to hold a meeting.
While so many deities gather at Izumo Taisha, there are also deities who remain in their local communities to watch over the land and its people. One of these is Ebisu-sama. The Ebisu Festival, held in the 10th month of the lunar calendar (Kaminazuki), is said to have originated as a way to express gratitude to Ebisu-sama, the deity who remains behind to watch over the land.
First of all, who is Ebisu-sama?
Ebisu is one of the Seven Lucky Gods and is believed to bestow blessings for bountiful harvests and prosperous business. He is typically depicted holding a fishing rod in his right hand and cradling a sea bream in his left, wearing a eboshi hat and sporting a broad, cheerful smile.
The other deities of the Seven Lucky Gods appear as follows. If you ever come across a painting of the Seven Lucky Gods aboard a “Treasure Ship” (Takarabune) laden with riches, be sure to look for Ebisu-sama.
* Daikokuten… A deity wearing a headscarf, holding the “Uchide no Kozuchi” (a magic mallet that produces anything one desires) in his right hand, and carrying a large sack on his back.
* Bishamonten… A deity depicted as a warrior. He holds a “treasure staff” in his right hand and a “treasure pagoda” in his left.
* Jurojin… A deity in the form of an immortal with a white beard. In addition to holding a staff with a scroll attached, he is often depicted alongside a deer and a peach, which symbolize longevity.
* Fukurokuju… A deity in the form of an immortal with a long head and a white beard. He holds a staff and a scroll in his hands. Unlike Jurojin, he is sometimes depicted alongside cranes and turtles, which symbolize longevity.
* Benzaiten… A deity in the form of a beautiful celestial maiden. She holds a stringed instrument called a “biwa” in her hands.
* Hotei-son… A deity characterized by a large, round belly and a broad, cheerful smile. He holds round fan in his hand and carries a “bag of patience” (kanninbukuro) on his back.
Activities at the Ebisu Festival
During the Ebisu Festival, people primarily pay their respects to Ebisu and make offerings to him. Some visit shrines dedicated to Ebisu and buy lucky charms such as kumade rakes and fukuzasa bamboo branches from street stalls. Offering items at the household kamidana is also a custom of the Ebisu Festival.On these occasions, people offer sake, food, and other auspicious items. In some regions, it seems that people even offer live fish, in reference to the depiction of Ebisu holding a sea bream. It’s a good idea to find out what customs are still observed during the Ebisu Festival in your local area.
The Famous Ebisu Festival
Even today, various “Ebisu Festivals” are held throughout the country as annual events. If you have a wish you’d like to make to Ebisu, why not visit one of these famous festivals? Finally, we’d like to introduce three events: the “Nihonbashi Bettara Market,” “Toka Ebisu,” and the “Nagano Ebisu Festival Fireworks Display.”
Nihonbashi Bettara Market
The Nihonbashi Bettara Market is an Ebisu festival held in front of Takarada Ebisu Shrine in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.The Bettara Market is held on October 19, the day before the annual Ebisu Festival on October 20. The name “Bettara Market” is said to derive from the fact that pickled daikon radish (bettara-zuke) was sold at this market, which once served as a venue for selling offerings. It is a traditional autumn event in Nihonbashi that has continued since the Edo period.Takarada Ebisu Shrine is believed to grant blessings for business prosperity, and during the two days of the Ebisu Festival, nearly 500 street stalls line the area, drawing large crowds.
Toka Ebisu
The Toka Ebisu is an Ebisu Festival held at Nishinomiya Shrine in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture. Nishinomiya Shrine is known as the head shrine that oversees all shrines dedicated to Ebisu. The Ebisu Festival at Nishinomiya Shrine is held annually from January 9 to 11.It is a major event that draws nearly one million visitors annually. As one of the largest festivals in the Hanshin region, it enjoys nationwide recognition. In particular, the “Fuku-otoko Selection” ritual—in which a large number of men sprint at full speed from the shrine’s Red Gate toward the main hall on January 10—is especially famous.
Nagano Ebisu Festival Fireworks Display
In Nagano Prefecture, the Ebisu Festival is held annually from November 18 to 20 at Nishinomiya Shrine in Nagano City. Following this festival, the Nagano Ebisu Festival Fireworks Display is held to express gratitude to Ebisu-sama through a fireworks show.Since the 1995 Winter Olympics, the fireworks display has been held on November 23, a national holiday. The Nagano Ebisu Festival Fireworks Display is also known among pyrotechnicians as the “Fireworks of Success” and is famous for attracting some of the nation’s top pyrotechnicians.
Be sure to check out the Ebisu festivals held all across the country!
So far, we’ve covered the basics of what the Ebisu Festival is all about. The Ebisu Festival, which honors the deity Ebisu, is held at shrines across the country. Every year on the days of “20th-Day Ebisu” and “10th-Day Ebisu,” street stalls line the streets in front of the shrines, and the area bustles with crowds.If you’d like to pray for prosperity in your business, be sure to visit an Ebisu Festival. While paying your respects at the shrine, be sure to enjoy the unique, community-rooted events as well.
