The Maker Speaks
Eyo (Saidai-ji)
We're A Part Of Nature
We're A Part Of Nature
I am a Japanese, writing this article in 2021 December. Needless to say, it is so cold. The unusual cold will hit most of Japan at the end of 2021 December, said the weather forecast. Snowing may make children smile, will most adults just unhappy. I mean, adults are mostly poorer at nature than children as far as living in the urbanized world.
And so I suppose we may need the Eyo at Saidai-ji sometimes. Saidai-ji is the long-established temple standing in Okayama, the Eyo is the winter festival held there on every February's 3rd Saturday. Men desire to join it, wear nothing but Mawashi (Fundoshi) and compete for Shingi (Treasure). The one who gets the Shingi is going to be called Fukuotoko (Happy Man) of the year. They also call the festival Hadaka (Naked) Matsuri (Festival). One theory says the festival first appeared in the 16th century.
The men gathering for the Eyo at Saidai-ji
File: Hadaka Matsuri (-Naked Festival-) in Saidaiji, Japan.jpg
from the Japanese Wikipedia
（Photoed on Feb. 18, 2010）
The men at the Eyo of Saidai-ji
File: Hadaka Matsuri small.JPG
from the Japanese Wikipedia
（Uploaded on April 1, 2007）
Although human being is natural, we often forget the fact as long as living in urban areas. We are a part of nature. Being naked once in a while and trying hard, it will let us remember the real thing about what we are. What about women? I have never seen women join it. If there are a lot of ladies who long to join, I suppose they'd better hold their own Hadaka Matsuri anew. When it appears somewhere in Japan, I am pleased to see for coverage.
And so I suppose we may need the Eyo at Saidai-ji sometimes. Saidai-ji is the long-established temple standing in Okayama, the Eyo is the winter festival held there on every February's 3rd Saturday. Men desire to join it, wear nothing but Mawashi (Fundoshi) and compete for Shingi (Treasure). The one who gets the Shingi is going to be called Fukuotoko (Happy Man) of the year. They also call the festival Hadaka (Naked) Matsuri (Festival). One theory says the festival first appeared in the 16th century.
The men gathering for the Eyo at Saidai-ji
File: Hadaka Matsuri (-Naked Festival-) in Saidaiji, Japan.jpg
from the Japanese Wikipedia
（Photoed on Feb. 18, 2010）
The men at the Eyo of Saidai-ji
File: Hadaka Matsuri small.JPG
from the Japanese Wikipedia
（Uploaded on April 1, 2007）
Although human being is natural, we often forget the fact as long as living in urban areas. We are a part of nature. Being naked once in a while and trying hard, it will let us remember the real thing about what we are. What about women? I have never seen women join it. If there are a lot of ladies who long to join, I suppose they'd better hold their own Hadaka Matsuri anew. When it appears somewhere in Japan, I am pleased to see for coverage.
