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- Panel 4-3 The Social Significance of an Ancient Ceremony in Modern Society: A Case Study of Japanese Sake and “Kagami-biraki” /Yao Chiu
Panel 4-3 The Social Significance of an Ancient Ceremony in Modern Society: A Case Study of Japanese Sake and “Kagami-biraki” /Yao Chiu
Yao Chiu
Sommelier of Sake (SSI Japan), Independent Researcher, Hong Kong
Japanese Sake has been an essential offering in Shinto ceremonies since the very beginning. In rituals such as “Sansan-kudo” and “Shiki-sankon”, the meaning of “Shinnjinn-kyousyoku (the sharing of same food and drinks between gods and human beings)” is expressed. Among its various ceremonies, “Kagami-biraki”, the ritual of striking the wooden top cover of the sake bucket with a mallet and distributing the sake inside to the participants in the ceremony, not only symbolizes a start of good fortune and sharing of joy but also inherits the “Naorai” in Shinto rituals. The same goes for distributing the sake that has been offered to the gods to the clergy and participants, so as to achieve the meaning of “Shinnjinn-kyousyoku” and receiving blessings. Nowadays, “Kagami-biraki” can still be seen in some Shinto weddings, company anniversaries, launching events for new products, and even for celebrations of politicians after they win in the polls. This article will introduce the “Kagami-biraki” ceremony which is using sake and explore its social significance in daily life in modern Japan.
Keywords: tradition, heritage, Shinto, Kagami-biraki, Japan
Sommelier of Sake (SSI Japan), Independent Researcher, Hong Kong
Japanese Sake has been an essential offering in Shinto ceremonies since the very beginning. In rituals such as “Sansan-kudo” and “Shiki-sankon”, the meaning of “Shinnjinn-kyousyoku (the sharing of same food and drinks between gods and human beings)” is expressed. Among its various ceremonies, “Kagami-biraki”, the ritual of striking the wooden top cover of the sake bucket with a mallet and distributing the sake inside to the participants in the ceremony, not only symbolizes a start of good fortune and sharing of joy but also inherits the “Naorai” in Shinto rituals. The same goes for distributing the sake that has been offered to the gods to the clergy and participants, so as to achieve the meaning of “Shinnjinn-kyousyoku” and receiving blessings. Nowadays, “Kagami-biraki” can still be seen in some Shinto weddings, company anniversaries, launching events for new products, and even for celebrations of politicians after they win in the polls. This article will introduce the “Kagami-biraki” ceremony which is using sake and explore its social significance in daily life in modern Japan.
Keywords: tradition, heritage, Shinto, Kagami-biraki, Japan