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Along with Nishinomiya Shrine and Osaka Imamiya Shrine, Kyoto Ebisu Shrine is considered one of the three great shrines of the god Ebisu (nicknamed “Ebessan”) in Japan. Kyoto Ebisu is famous for its bamboo leaves, which bring prosperity to business. In Japan, pine, bamboo and plum are considered to be bringers of good fortune, and bamboo leaves symbolize an increase in the fortunes of families and prosperity in business because of its unique features. Bamboo is such that it grows straight; it is flexible so it doesn’t break; and it is evergreen and is therefore always leafy and green. The Annual Festival and Jinko Festival are held primarily for the citizens of the 36 towns under the shrine’s protection. They are affectionately known as “Ebisu-sama no Owatari” (Crossing of Ebisu). Each town prays to Ebisu, while a portable shrine, or mikoshi, in which the spirit is enshrined, is carried through the streets led by Shinto priests. Children join the procession with the children’s mikoshi, making the event even more fun to watch. |