Yesterday we went on a pilgrimage (meguri) to look for the 7 lucky gods (Shichifukujin)
Benzaiten (goddess of beauty),
Hoteison (guardian of children),
Ebisuten (god of prosperity for business),
Daikokuten (god of commerce),
Jurojin (god of long life),
Fukurokujin (god of happiness) and
Bishamonten (god of fortune)
At the beginning of the year, these 7 gods get onto the lucky boat (Takarabune) and descend to earth bringing luck and good fortune.
By visiting each god, you can pray for “good” from each for the year.
There are areas around Tokyo that have similar courses, the area we visited was in walking distance in our neighborhood.
It took about an hour and a half to find them all.
Past the police station..
At one temple we saw some wild parrots.
Krazy clouds.
It’s robai (waxy apricot) season, love the fragrance!
We saw these clusters of fish in the Nomigawa, it was kinda creepy seeing them here and there...short video here.
There is a lookout area atop the Ikegami Hall, where we spotted Mount Fuji
Here is the enlarged photo
We did some grocery shopping where we bought this huge broccoli!
11038…trying to keep safe yet entertained.
is the luck that the 7 gods bring only if you look for them at the beginning of the year?
ReplyDeleteOr like, if you go in November, you'd only get less than 2 months of luck? Interesting. I've seen pictures or sculptures of the 7 gods in their boat but didn't really know the meaning.
One year I went to different temples to find omamori that a particular temple was known for.
v
Fun!
ReplyDeleteThank you for another fascinating peek into Japanese culture. Your posts teach me quite a bit, Kat-sensei. Those fish looked like they were up to no good, haha, watch out! I’m glad you found such a gigantic broccoli, healthy & delicious! Please take care I hope you are double masking.
ReplyDeleteI guess if you went in November you would only receive 2 months of luck, V.
ReplyDeleteit was Jalna :)
not double masking Anon, but definitely surgical masking :)
Take care everyone.
Kat
Nice view Kat!
ReplyDeleteIt really was Kirk!
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Kat