Uzumasa Cow Festival - Uzumasa Cow Festival

Japanese: 太秦の牛祭 - うずまさのうしまつり

This is a festival of Osake Shrine in the grounds of Koryuji Temple in Uzumasa, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City. It used to be held on the 12th of the 9th lunar month, but is now held on the 10th of October . A monk wears a mask of Matarajin, a god of white clothing with paper hanging from it, and rides a cow. Two of the Four Heavenly Kings, two red and two blue demons, wear huge masks and carry spears , leading the way. They form a procession around the shrine, waving torches, and sit down in front of the Soshido Hall to recite a prayer. It is said that the festival began when Jikaku Daishi brought Matarajin from China to Mount Hiei and Uzumasa, and that it was also started by Eshin Sozu in 1012. It was temporarily discontinued during the Meiji Restoration, but was later revived. Uzumasa Festival. Ushima Festival. [Uzumasa Ushi Matsuri Picture Scroll (1402)]

Source: The Selected Edition of the Japanese Language Dictionary About the Selected Edition of the Japanese Language Dictionary Information

Japanese:

京都市右京区太秦の広隆寺境内にある大避(おおさけ)神社の祭礼。かつては陰暦九月一二日、現在は一〇月一〇日に行なう。僧侶の一人が、白衣に紙を垂らした摩多羅神(またらじん)の仮面をかぶって牛に乗り、四天王と呼ぶ赤鬼、青鬼各二人が巨大な面をつけ、矛(ほこ)を手にして、これを先導し、たいまつを振り立てながら行列をなして社堂を巡り、祖師堂に向かって腰を下ろして、祭文を読む。慈覚大師が魔多羅神を中国から将来して叡山(えいざん)と太秦にまつったのが始めであるともいい、また長和元年（一〇一二）に恵心僧都によって始められたともいわれている。明治維新に一時中絶し、その後復興。うずまさまつり。うしまつり。〔太秦牛祭画巻（1402）〕

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