Tuski no Matsuri

Festival of the Moon

A Moment of Remembrance
Lanterns light the streets, painted in the colors of the moon, kanji written on them. From what I understand of the written language, they are mostly names, either the name of the Moon Goddess or of fallen Burakkumūn no senshi, a way of honoring them at this most sacred and wondrous festival. Streamers connect the lanterns together, the wonderful smell of food wafts through the air while children race about laughing, wearing Ōkami masks, their hands filled with toys katanas' and sweets. I walk slowly, hood raised over my head, taking it all in.
"My father would've grown up attending this festival." I say softly. "He would've received so much respect from those who lived in his home city. He must have loved being able to be himself."
"You can be yourself here too kid." Kenji says as I lick the last of the sakura mochi off my hand. He hands me a lantern. "Here, hang it on one of the poles. It's were it belongs."
I look at the lantern. My father's name, his date of birth and death. Tears come to my eyes. "You made this?"
"You're father deserves to be remembered for his sacrifices. He deserves to be honored for all he did in life, including ensuring you had one." Kenji pulls off my cloak, revealing my good clothes, my father's clothes, what he wore as a Burakkumūn'u~oriā. "The uniform suits you by the way. Do you tend to actually train as one?"
"I hope to be able to reach my father's level of skill, yes." I answer, my bangs falling into my eyes. White hair, eyes like blue stars, always making me stand out, as an outsider. I smile. "I'm not an outsider now, am I? I don't have to hide here."
I walk slowly to one of the poles that has a place for me to hang the lantern. With relative ease I leap up and hang it, doing a back-flip to get back to the ground. I hear a small gasp. Turning, I see an older woman, black hair streaked grey with age. She walks forward, tears sparkling on the edges of her eyes.
"You look like him, Kaede." She says.
"You knew my father?" I ask, shocked. I don't know what to think. She puts a hand to her mouth.
"Father." She whispers. "He had a pup."
She takes a breath. "Kaede Fujimori was my nephew. We were so proud of everything he accomplished in his life, we knew he'd do great things."
"Can you tell me about him?" I ask. "I know only what my mom knew. Please?"
"Of course. Come, sit and we'll remember him though the stories I'll tell you."

History

The exact date this wondrous festival began is of course, the year after the first Ōkami came to be, as a way to thank our Goddess for giving us such great divine warriors to protect our lands and homes. That was in the second age of this world, in the first year on the first full moon of the spring, so the year 2001, the forth month and the thirteenth day.
The creation of the Burakkumūn no senshi two hundred years later added a special ceremony to the festival, the induction of young Ōkami warriors who had proven themselves worthy of the honor of being made a member of this elite warrior group. This induction ceremony is one of the most sacred events of the festival and is overseen by the most senior members of the Burakkumūn no senshi.

Participants

Everyone participates in the festival but there are a few who are given higher importance depending on what part of the festival they are at. Kōri wa's priests and priestess organize and lead the festival, performing the sacred rights. One of their greatest duties at the festival is to recognize the young Ōkami who have had their first transformation from their human form to their blessed spectral wolf form in the past year. It is always an honor to congratulate the young ones and welcome them formally into their packs.
On the second day of the festival the Burakkumūn no senshi have a special ceremony for those who are being inducted into their ranks. They are the elite warriors of Yorutoshi, earning a place in one of their packs is the greatest honor an Ōkami soldier can obtain.

Observance

This festival is a three day celebration held every year on the day before, the day of and the day after the first full moon of the spring. Spring, a time of growth and life, a wonderful time to celebrate the Moon Goddess, Kōri wa, and the great gift she bestowed upon her people. It is also when the Ōkami have their coming of age ceremony. The entire country celebrates; exchanging gifts and food, playing games and thanking their Goddess for all she's done for them.

Loved, Feared, Remembered
The Tuski no Matsuri acts not only as a time to honor and give thanks but as a time to remember those who have been lost. The Ōkami are loved within Yorutoshi and the Burakkumūn no senshi revered. These national heroes have protected their people and lands for millennium, but other nations fear them because of their ghostly wolf form and great strength. Yet it was this form, given to them by the Moon Goddess Kōri wa, which earned them such love and respect from their countrymen. They face adversary bravely, protect their home valiantly and love their people unconditionally.