NEW YEAR 2008 @ Kushida Shrine, Local Shinto Shrine of Hakata

KUSHIDA SHRINE

This is the most famous shinto shrine in Hakata city, and worshipped by Hakata locals.
(Hakata is a traditional merchants town, and is a part of Fukuoka city).

RELIEF OF CHINESE ZOADIAC

This is the relief of Chinese zodiac, which is said to have more than 3000 years of history. The twelve animals are imaginary, and according to the year you’re born, one animal apply to you.
It is also believed the sign of the year represents the character of the people born in that year.
For example, people born this year (2008) is…

MOUSE(RAT).
The other MOUSE (RAT) year people are those who’re born in 1900, 1912, 1924. 1936. 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996.

So, Kushida Shrine staff turn this relief, so that mouse points the lucky direction (This year `north’). Now you see Japanese people are very supersticious!

YAMAKASA FESTIVAL AND KUSHIDA SHRINE

This is MIKOSHI, the festival carriage used in Yamakasa Festival, the most popular local festival in Hakata town. And KUSHIDA SHRINE works as the main place for the festival.

This is how Yamakasa Festival goes. It’s annual, and is held in the middle of July. The whole Hakata town becomes busy and lively during the festival season !

KUSHIDA NO YAKIMOCHI

Kushida no Yakimochi is a popular speciality of Kushida Shrine. It’s a rice cake with sweet bean paste inside, and is very delicious, with the perfect combination of crispy covering and moderately sweet content.