The Reason for Offering Horses to the Gods: A Link Between Past and Present
In the Soma Nomaoi festival, horses are captured each year during the “Nomakake” and the “Age-noma Shinto ritual” is performed. This ceremony carries a deep significance—offering horses to the gods. But why does such a tradition continue even in the modern age?
The Origin of Ema: A Culture of Offering Horses
In modern times, it is common to offer *ema* (votive plaques) when making a wish at a shrine. People write their wishes on the *ema* and dedicate them to the gods, praying that their desires will be granted. However, this *ema* custom is said to have originated before the Nara period, from an ancient practice of offering actual horses to the deities.
Reasons for Offering Horses
At the time, horses were incredibly valuable. They were not only essential for travel but also indispensable for farming and warfare—truly the “greatest of gifts.” Only a small number of people with power and wealth could own horses, and offering one to the gods was akin to dedicating a luxury car or a grand mansion in today’s world.
In this way, people of the time believed that by offering the very best of what they possessed to the gods, their wishes would be granted. For that reason, horses came to be seen as symbolic offerings to the divine.
The Connection Between Ema and Nomakake
In time, the custom of offering live horses was simplified into the use of wooden horses and “ema” — wooden plaques depicting horses. However, at the Soma Nomaoi festival, this ancient tradition is still carried on today through the rituals of “Nomakake” and “Age Noma no Shinji.”
Lord’s Wish: Prosperity of the Sōma Region and Happiness for Its People
Through the “Age Noma Shinto Ritual,” what kinds of wishes did successive lords make? And if you were the lord, what kind of wish would you offer?
The Lord’s Wish
For the lord, true happiness was not found in personal well-being, but in the peace and prosperity of the entire Sōma region. His hopes could be broadly divided into the following two wishes:
- Prosperity of the Sōma Region
- Prayers were given for bountiful harvests and economic stability, and for peace in the domain.
- Peace for the Domain's People
- Prayers were given for the people living in the domain to live peaceful, healthy, and prosperous lives.
These wishes can be seen as universal prayers that still resonate with us today.
Hopes Embedded in the Modern Soma Nomaoi
Those who take part in today’s Soma Nomaoi also hold similar wishes close to their hearts. Praying for the prosperity of the Soma region and the happiness of its people, the mounted warriors devote themselves wholeheartedly to the event.
We would be delighted if all of you in the audience could understand these heartfelt feelings and call out, “Take care!”, “Do your best!”, and “Welcome back!” as you watch. The Soma Nomaoi is a tradition that the entire community continues to protect together as one.
