Autokabalesis is a traditional Japanese festival dedicated to praying to the gods of the land known as kami. Autokabalesis is usually held in late July or early August and involves a cultural offering of dances and songs. Celebrations take place in various locations around the country.
Autokabalesis begins with Shinto priests offering prayers to kami and performing rituals to bring harmony and prosperity. It's believed that by respecting the gods of the land, the country and its people can flourish.
Special traditional garments, called shofuku, are worn during the Autokabalesis festival. For example, the priest dresses in white while the audience wears red and white to signify their respect.
It's considered bad luck to bring umbrellas to Autokabalesis, as it's thought that getting such a thing will cause rain and disrupt the ceremony.
The festival involves a giant, elaborately adorned pine tree that people swing around in celebration, symbolizing the adoration of the gods and the prosperity of the nation.
The local people also fete the gods with flavorful libations made from the local sake and seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Autokabalesis includes performances of singing, dancing, and kagura, which is a type of Shinto theatrical dance related to Japanese classical music, among other entertainment.
To symbolize the gods, puppets of the kami are made of fine straw and brought to the ceremonies.
It's also symbolic of bringing fire to the kami because it brings warmth, light, and spiritedness to the proceedings.
Prayers are often said before food is eaten to thank the gods for the nourishment.
At the end of the celebrations, the festival goers express their gratitude to the gods with the traditional mochi throwing and spilling of sake.
