1. |
Festival of New Year (Jan.1st). |
Commemorates the first day of the year, praying for a peaceful world, for
Japan, and the prosperity of the Imperial Household. |
2. |
Festival of the parting of the seasons (Feb.3rd). |
Commemorates the beginning of spring and ceremony of praying for the coming
in of good fortune and driving out all devils by throwing beans. |
3. |
Commemoration of the founding of Japan (Feb.11th). |
Commemorates the founding of Japan by accession to the throne of Emperor Jinmu,
2645 years ago. |
4. |
Festival of praying for the fertility of crops (Feb.17th). |
Prayers for the prosperity of all kinds of industries and the fertility
of farm products. |
5. |
Main festival of Hokkaido Shrine (Jun.14th-16th). |
One of the 10 biggest festival in Japan, and the largest festival in Hokkaido
(about 1,000,000 peoples). |
6. |
The great purification ceremony (Jun.30th). |
Purifying sins, and recharging the spirit. |
7. |
Festival of the Pioneers Shrine (Aug.15th). |
In honor of 34 men involved with the reclamation of Hokkaido. 500 children
carry the portable shrines downtown. |