Deities and Faith
Can the paper figure received at Izumo's deity-welcoming festival be kept as a souvenir?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
At the Izumo welcoming ritual attended on that occasion, the paper figures were to be returned for collection and burning, not kept as souvenirs.
The figure was carried to the seaside to welcome the deities and back with the ritual, but its required return was not understood. Because it seemed special, beautiful, and sacred, it was taken home as a souvenir. This happened through not understanding its ritual purpose, not as an intentional invitation to enshrine it at home.
When traveling, it is easy to remember only a religious object's beauty and sacredness. But festival objects may serve a particular purpose and have a place to be returned afterward. Understand the event and how its objects should be handled first, rather than treat ritual supplies and separately purchased souvenirs as identical.