Awashima jinja, the doll shrine in Wakayama 淡島神社

Awashima Jinja, the shrine of dolls

The Awashima Jinja Shrine houses a collection of several thousand dolls believed to bring good luck to those who come to deposit them there. Two festivals are also organized there every year: the festival of dolls and that of needles.

De magnifiques poupées sont exposées

Beautiful dolls are exhibited

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needle festival

But Awashima Jinja Shrine is also known for its Hari Kuyo, Needle Festival , which takes place every February 8. Used, broken or rusty needles are brought or sent to the sanctuary all year round by dressmakers, pattern makers or even by housewives practicing sewing. During the festival, they are symbolically buried under a large rock, after being covered with salt. A ceremony that aims to thank these needles for having served well throughout the year .

Read: The Hari Kuyo Needle Festival

 

Les aiguilles sont enterrées sous ce rocher

The needles are buried under this rock

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