Awashima faith - Awashima faith

This belief is related to the deity worshipped at Awashima Shrine, which is located in Kada, Wakayama City. The deity is the consort of Sumiyoshi Okami, and is said to have been exiled to this area due to a female illness, but this is because there was a Mikuriya (kitchen) at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. The deity is worshipped for female illnesses, matchmaking, safe childbirth, and safety at sea, but worship of female illnesses is particularly prominent. The Chirizuka Monogatari (Tales of Dust Mounds), published in 1552 (Tenbun 21), reveals the original origin of the belief, as well as the existence of a half-monk, half-lay person who traveled around preaching about this belief. It is believed that these activities led to Awashima Shrine being worshipped throughout almost the entire country, but there are also examples of various beliefs and legends being passed down in various places, such as in Iwate Prefecture, where it is linked to the belief in sex gods. The "Kiizoku Fudoki" records that Hina dolls and other items were offered as prayers, and the custom of offering Hina dolls and personal belongings remains to this day.

[Takahiro Nogami]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

和歌山市加太(かだ)に鎮座する淡島神社の祭神にかかわる信仰。祭神は住吉(すみよし)大神の妃(きさき)神で、婦人病のため当地に流されたと伝えられるが、それは住吉大社の御厨(みくりや)があったことによる付会。婦人病、縁結び、安産、海上安全などの信仰を集めるが、婦人病の信仰は顕著である。1552年（天文21）の『塵塚(ちりづか)物語』によって、当初の縁起やこの信仰を説いて回る半僧半俗の者の存在が知られる。これらの活動によりほぼ全国に淡島神社が祀(まつ)られたと考えられるが、岩手県では性神信仰と結び付くなど、各地で種々の信仰や伝承を伝える例もある。祈願のために雛(ひな)人形などを奉納したことが『紀伊続風土記(きいぞくふどき)』にみえるが、現在も雛人形や身の回りの物品を納める風習が残っている。

［野上尊博］

出典　小学館　日本大百科全書(ニッポニカ)日本大百科全書(ニッポニカ)について　情報 | 凡例