In Japan, you can find a wide variety of matsuri (festivals) that are fascinating to watch. One of them is Fuigo Matsuri.
Although Fuigo Matsuri is not as popular as Gion Matsuri, Nebuta Matsuri, Obon Matsuri, Tenjin Matsuri, or the Sapporo Snow Festival, it carries a deep meaning and is consistently held in various regions of Japan.
Do Japafans know about this festival? If not, read on to learn more about it.
What is Fuigo Matsuri?
Fuigo Matsuri (ふいごまつり) is a festival closely tied to traditional Japanese professions such as blacksmithing, metal crafting, sword making, and other occupations involving fire.
This festival serves as an expression of gratitude to the fire deity and tools like the fuigo (bellows) and as a prayer for safety and success in their work.
The word “fuigo” in Japanese translates to bellows, a tool used to pump air into a furnace.
This device resembles a foldable pedal that is stepped on to pump air, similar to a manual air pump.
In the past, this pump was not used for balloons but for directing air into a furnace, which was essential for cooking with firewood.
However, there was one profession that relied on the furnace all day long: blacksmithing.
During wartime, blacksmiths were responsible for crafting swords and weapons for the battlefield. After peace was restored, they shifted to producing household items such as kitchen knives and other metal tools.
Additionally, metal artisans who cast items using molds, as well as other professions such as hot spring caretakers and seaweed dryers, all depended on furnaces. As a result, the fuigo was in constant use.
After a year of hard work, this festival is held to honor the fuigo and to pray to the fire deity for smooth work in the coming year.
Typically, Fuigo Matsuri is celebrated on November 8th at various shrines, both large and small, across Japan.
On this day, blacksmiths and metal artisans take a day off to clean their fuigo, decorate it with straw ropes (shimenawa), and offer rituals and offerings as a gesture of gratitude.
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Fire Deity and Oranges in Fuigo Matsuri
The festival also honors the fire deities, Kanayamahiko no Mikoto and Kanayamahime no Kami. They are considered the protectors of fire and metal in Japanese mythology.
These deities are believed to have been born from the vomit of the fire god, Kagutsuchi no Kami.
Additionally, the deity Inari, initially known as the guardian of agriculture, is also revered by blacksmiths due to its connection with fire and cooking.
There is an interesting legend associated with Fuigo Matsuri. It is said that on November 8th, a fuigo fell from the sky and hung on an orange tree. This story explains the use of oranges as offerings during Fuigo Matsuri.
While oranges are acidic and can damage metal, on this day, they symbolize rest for blacksmiths.
In the past, oranges were also a symbol of good fortune. As seen in the story of Kii no Kuniya Bunzaemon, a great merchant during the Edo period. He amassed wealth by selling oranges during storms to meet the demand for this festival.
The Tradition of Offering Oranges
In Fuigo Matsuri, the oranges offered are believed to have health benefits, such as preventing colds.
After the ceremony, these oranges are typically distributed to children to eat and stay healthy.
If you happen to visit Japan on November 8th, take the opportunity to visit an Inari shrine or a modern blacksmith workshop.
Observe the altars adorned with straw ropes and the fuigo placed on the offering table as a sign of reverence.
If you’re lucky, you may also enjoy the oranges handed out during the festival.
This celebration is one of the many ways to delve into Japan’s rich and unique culture!
