Cultural Properties of the Munakata Region
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Fishermen and Okinoshima |
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Feeling the divinity
Some say that when they land on Okinoshima, out of sight of the mainland and any other islands, they feel an overwhelming sense of reverence.
Sacred place
The island is sacred and worshipped as a deity. Priests purify themselves each morning by bathing in the sea in a ritual called misogi.
Deep faith
Taboos guard the island, prohibiting the removal of anything. Even stones caught in the fishermen’s nets near Okinoshima are put back.
People’s feelings towards the island
The people of Oshima see themselves as custodians of Okinoshima, upholding ancient rituals and codes of conduct. Those who stay overnight to fish in the waters nearby perform misogi each morning, even in the middle of winter, and keep their vows of secrecy upon returning, never speaking of what they saw on the island. |
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