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I would like to introduce some background information on Japanese culture for non-Japanese readers to deepen their understanding of the story when reading "Kamisama Kiss".
Today's topic is "Kamuhakari".
What is "En" and "Enmusubi"?
“En” in Japanese is the ties that connect people to each other and to everyday events, and “enmusubi” means creating those ties.
"Enmusubi" in Japanese is not only for marriage but also for bonding love and relationships of all kinds (business partners, friendships, etc). Izumo-Taisha Grand Shrine in Shimane Prefecture is considered the ultimate shrine of love and relationships of all kinds.
"The bonds people have are like a thread connected to other people's threads. Bonds create more bonds, and the threads grow longer. Everything has been connected since long ago. Everyone meets other people when they're ready for it." (Vol.8, #48)
What is "Kamuhakari"?
Kamuhakari is the weeklong convocation of kami at Izumo Taisha Shurine, in October of the lunar calendar. Therefore in the lunar calendar, October is called Kamizarizuki (month-with-kami) in Izumo, and Kannnazuki (month-without-kami) in other regions.
Festivals are held at Izumo Taisha Shrine during the Kamuhakari.
The festival held by humans during the Kamuhakari is called "Kamiarisai festival".
Once a year, Kami gather at Izumo Taisha Shrine and discuss the fate and relationships of people (e.g., who and who to marry). Sometimes people who are far away get to know each other and get married, which may be the result of this meeting.
Okuninushi is also well-known as the deity of happiness, good fortune, and en-musubi.
Therefore, Izumo Taisha Shrine is also the head shrine of enmusubi.
Also, next year's weather, crops and sake production are being discussed at Kamuhakari.
Why Nanami was invited to Kamuhakari?
In this story, Nanami is invited to Kamuhakari. Since Mikage is the deity of en-musubi, Nanami, as the successor of Mikage, was invited to Kamuhakari.
