Ema/En’ma : PhotoStory

It is the evening before the first day of spring. An old man and an old woman appear before an imperial messenger at Saigū Palace in Ise. Each carries a wooden votive tablet with a picture of a horse that will predict the weather for the coming year.

The old man carries a tablet with a white horse, for fine weather. The old woman carries a tablet with a black horse, indicating rain. They argue over which tablet to hang up.

In the end, they hang up both tablets, praying for a combination of sunny days and rainy days to give good harvests.

When they leave, the old man and old woman reveal that they are the two gods of Ise. Ogres from Hōrai Island appear with precious gifts for the emperor.

Next, Amaterasu Ōmikami appears with the male and female gods.

Amaterasu Ōmikami performs a dance.

The gods reenact “Amano Iwato.” Heavenly maidens dance to attract the attention of Amaterasu Ōmikami, who is hidden behind a rock door.

“This is so amusing!” Amaterasu Ōmikami opens the rock door. Tajikarao-no-mikoto pulls at her sleeve. The faces of the gods are lit up. All ends well.