Event from the Snake of Momura, Inagi City

History of Events More Than Snakes

At Myokenson in Momura, located about a 5-minute walk from Inagi Station on the Keio Sagamihara Line, a snake-related event is held every year on August 7th. This event began in Kanbun 2 (1662), early in the Edo period, and involves seven former villagers of Momura, chosen in reference to the Big Dipper constellation, who cut reeds from the reed field. Members of the supporting association then twist these reeds into the shape of a large snake about 100 to 150 meters long, which is placed along the stone steps from the torii gate below Myokenson. Myokenji Temple, where this event takes place, is an ancient temple of the Tendai sect and is a rare temple where the influence of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism since the Edo period remains to this day.
In the book "Hokushin Myoken Sonryaku Enki," published by Myokenji Temple in Bunsei 5 (1822), this event is described as follows: "In the spring of Kanbun 2, when an epidemic spread across various provinces, a large shimenawa (sacred rope) was hung on the sacred tree of Myoken Shrine to enshrine the Four Heavenly Kings of the North Star. Additionally, a large rope resembling a giant serpent made of thatch, extending 300 ken (about 540 meters), was placed beside the village boundary road to prevent the epidemic from entering the village. Although there was a period when the event was temporarily suspended, after it resumed, a thatch serpent was made every year to pray for protection against epidemics."
This event began in the 2nd year of Kanbun, was temporarily interrupted at one point, but has been held every year without fail since then.

Work Process of Events More Than Snakes

Along the pie chart on the right, we will introduce the workflow of the events related to the snake.

1. Cutting Reed
   The seven people on duty gather around 8 a.m. and head to Kayaba. They cut about three light truckloads of reeds and carry them to the torii gate in front of Myokenson.
2. Drying Miscanthus
   Bind the cut reeds into small bundles about a handful each and line them up in front of the torii gate. Then leave them as they are to dry in the sun for about three hours. The seven people on duty go home during this time.
3. Twisting a snake
   Using the reeds thoroughly dried in the afternoon sunlight, the snake's body and head are made side by side. The snake's body is twisted by assembling logs in front of the Karasu-i and leaning the reeds against them. Three people work together, twisting three small bundles into one thick snake body. In parallel with this work, the snake's head is made. The head consists of the upper jaw, lower jaw, and tongue, and is completed by attaching two horns at the end.
4. Carry on one's shoulders
   Once the body and head are completed, all the gathered people carry the snake's tail first and lift it along the stone steps of Myoken-son up to the shrine. Finally, the head is placed in front of the Twenty-Third Night Tower and connected to the body. The chief priest of Myoken Temple performs a sutra chanting and sprinkles sacred sake on the snake's head. It is believed that carrying or touching the snake will protect you from disasters and illnesses.
5. After-party
   People involved gather in front of the torii gate to share a meal and pray for good health and safety.