The Festival of Still Waters is an annual event celebrated by Clan Taoka and Clan Yurami to honor the spirits of Kiyomizu Lagoon and seek harmony amidst their generations-long rivalry. Held on the 18th of Yumi, the festival is a rare time of unity, where the two clans set aside their differences to pay homage to the spirits believed to inhabit the tranquil waters of the lagoon and the mysterious Fumi Island at its heart.
Rituals and Traditions:
- The Lighting of Lanterns:
At dusk, families from both clans gather along the banks of Kiyomizu Lagoon to light ornate paper lanterns. Inscribed with prayers, wishes, and ancestral names, the lanterns are set afloat upon the lagoon's glassy surface. It is believed that the spirits of the lagoon guide these lanterns to Fumi Island, where the whispers of the ancestors can be heard during the night. - Spirit Communion:
In the heart of the night, spiritual leaders perform rituals to commune with the spirits of Fumi Island. Offerings of lotus petals and purified water are made, and chants are sung to invite the spirits to share their wisdom. It is believed that visions or whispers during this ritual are prophetic.