OCTOBER 12, 2024 — Today, “Onbedai,” a traditional offering of dried salted sea bream, was delivered to the Inner Shrine at Ise Jingu as part of a special annual religious ritual, reports Chunichi Shimbun.
The sea bream, prepared by the Shinoshima Fishermen’s Cooperative Association, was brought from Shinojima Island, Aichi Prefecture, by six fishing boats adorned with tairyō-bata and special “Taichi Goyo” (太一御用) banners.
These “Taichi Goyo” banners are a sacred symbol given to them by Ise Jingu Shrine, according to the Festival of Shinoshima website. The term “taichi” refers to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and the deity enshrined at Ise Jingu, while “goyo” means “an order.” Together, “Taichi Goyo” signifies “an errand to Amaterasu.”
Upon arrival at the port of Kamiyashiro in Ise City, 160 pieces of sea bream were carried ashore in wooden boxes and presented to the shrine. Onbedai is a centuries-old tradition performed every October 12, featuring an offering of 50 large sea bream, each around 14 inches (35 cm) in length, and 110 smaller fish, approximately 7 inches (18 cm) long. Additional dedications also take place in June and December.
According to ancient text, this custom traces back to 1192 when Yamatohime no Mikoto, who enshrined Amaterasu at Ise Jingu, visited Shinojima and was so impressed by the local sea bream that she designated it as a special offering to the deity. The tradition continues today as a vital part of honoring Amaterasu Omikami at the sacred Ise Shrine.
Image: 4travel.jp
