Nanakusa Matsuri (Seven Herbs or Grasses Festival)

January 7

A Japanese ceremony dating back to the ninth century, also called Wakana-setsu or " Festival of Young Herbs," or Jin-jitsu " Man Day " because it occurs on the zodiacal day for "man." After an offering to the clan deity in the morning, participants partake of nanakusa gayu, a rice gruel seasoned with seven different herbs that is said to have been served for its medicinal value to the young prince of the Emperor Saga (ruled 810-824). The herbs are shepherd's-purse, chickweed, parsley, cottonweed, radish, as well as herbs known as hotoke-no-za and aona in Japanese.

SOURCES:
DictFolkMyth-1984, p. 540
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 83
(c)

The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Festival

in cinema and the performing arts, a large-scale program of artistic works or performances. The first festivals were devoted to music and took place in Great Britain in the early 18th century. International festivals appeared in the 20th century. Of great importance in the struggle for peace are the World Festivals of Youth and Students.

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