Festivals

Ennen no Mai Longevity Rites

The dances performed after Buddhist services are referred to as ennen, meaning "longevity." More than ten dances, including the Old Woman (Rojo), Young Woman (Jakujo), and Imperial Envoy (Chokushimai) are preserved at Motsuji. Until mid-1800s, a number of associated Noh plays were also performed, but were lost in the anti-Buddhist climate of the times. However, one of these one—Todomedori—has recently been revived. Along with the ritual of samadhi by constant walking, Ennen no Mai has been passed down unchanged for more than eight centuries, and designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.