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At the end of the Heian Era, the ex-emperor Goshirakawa welcomed and worshiped God of Kumano, Kishu (now Wakayama prefecture), and founded Imakumano Shrine in 1160. Okusunoki (the big camphor) by the sanctuary was transplanted from Kumano and is said to have been planted by the ex-emperor Goshirakawa. On the day of the Festival, the shrine parishioners wind a large sacred rope (approximately 15 meters long and 15 centimeters in diameter) around the camphor that is believed to be over 900 years old as a prayer for happiness in the coming year. This is a spirit-stirring, seasonal year-end tradition. |