Yearly cycle rituals are celebrations that occur at different points throughout the year. There are two main types - seasonal rituals associated with agricultural practices intended to harmonize social activities with the rhythms of nature or influence the seasons, and commemorative rituals that historically remember the past and reaffirm cultural identities and behaviors. Some examples mentioned are New Year celebrations, Setsubun on February 3rd, autumn harvest festivals, and the Asuke Festival held on the second Sunday of October. Students were assigned a reading and asked to write a two-page resume with discussion questions, and bring money if attending the Asuke Festival.

1. Yearly Cycle Rituals
Robert Croker, Nanzan University

2. Yearly Cycle Rituals

3. Yearly Cycle Rituals
Definition: rituals which are celebrated at
different points through the year.
Two (+ one) types:
① seasonal rituals: agricultural practices: to
harmonize social activities with seasonal
rhythms, or to try to influence nature.
② commemorative rituals: historical
remembering: to establish a link between past
and present, and to reaffirm basic cultural
attitudes, behviours, and identities.
(③ life rituals: associated with the life cycle)

4. Yearly Cycle Rituals
節句 The turning points of the year
節 = season + 句 = division
January 7th
March 3rd
May 5th
July 7th
September 9th
When the seasons change and when it is
more likely that you will become sick.

5. NewYear

6. NewYear

8. 節分 (Setsubun) 2月3日

9. 盆踊り

10. autumn harvest festivals

11. AsukeFestival
SundayOctoberEighth

12. 1. Do your reading (A, B, or C).
2.Write a two-page resume (discussion questions).
3. Bring FIVE copies to class.
NOTE: If you are going to the Asuke Festival, bring
1800 yen to next class.
* There is a pre-briefing next Tuesday lunchtime
(October 3rd in R49.
Homework + Messages
12