Rozan-ji's 'Tsuina-shiki Oni-no-Hōraku' (追儺式鬼法楽 'Driving Out Demons through Piety') ends as most Setsubun celebrations do with the oni cast out.
Arrows are symbolically 'fired' in all directions to dispel misfortune for the year ahead.
#oniodori #onidance #Kyoto #Rozanji
The red oni at the 'Oni Odori'. Japanese oni (a kind of Japanese ogre or demon) are typically naked save for a tiger skin loincloth.
Parade of the oni at Rozan-ji. Each oni carries a different weapon.
Before dancing, the oni parade menacingly with weapons raised.
The red oni carries a burning torch...a mean feat when you consider the actor's vision is heavily impaired by a mask.
Although oni are a common sight at Setsubun, Rozan-ji (廬山寺) has an origin story for its own 3 demons.
When the temple's founder, Ryōgen (良源 912-85), was in training he was bothered by 3 troublesome oni (or spirits, depending on what version of the tale you read).
#Rozanji #鬼踊り #oniodori #Japan
