The Feast of Kingship: Accession Ceremonies in Ancient JapanRobert S. Ellwood
Monographs (1973) pp. 1–175
The purpose of this study is to make a contribution to the understanding of the Daijō-sai, or Harvest Festival as celebrated by the emperor upon his accession, in Heian Japan. Through reflection on the meaning and structure of this rite, I believe very valuable insights can be gained into the history of Shinto, and into both its archaic and heian religious meaning. It is hoped that some light may be shed thereby on the general meaning of sacred kingship, one of the major areas of discussion in the history of religions.
1973. viii + 175 pages.
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