Full Moon Party

Festival Location: All Areas, Japan

Festival Type(s): Lunar Events | Full Moon Parties , Traditional Festivals , Cultural Festivals

Moon Over My Army

by © Linda Gillis 2008

A popular legend tells a very sad tale. It seems Gosamaru was the lord of the Village of Yamada in Yomitan. He built Zakimi Castle, took part in foreign trade and became very rich and powerful. King Shohashi ordered Gosamaru to move to Nakagusuku Village and build a castle there to guard Shuri Castle and watch over the area lords. One of Gosamaru's daughters married King Shohashi's son, who became King Shotaikyu (1410 - 1468). Gosamaru had helped King Shohashi unify the three kingdoms on Okinawa and was very loyal, acting as the king's right hand man and next in power to him.

At about the same time, on the Katsuren Peninsula, there was a farmer named Amawari. He was trusted and supported by the other farmers of that district and overthrew Lord Moshizuki to become Lord of the district. He promoted farming, fishing and foreign trade and his power grew. King Shotaikyu saw great potential in Amawari and allowed him to marry his daughter. Gosamaru at Nakagusuku Castle was the king's father-in-law and Amawari in Katsuren Castle was now the king's son-in-law.

Unfortunately, Amawari secretly wished to be king of the entire kingdom of Okinawa. He planned to first overthrow Lord Gosamaru since he was so powerful and loyal to the king. Amawari sent a false report to the king saying that Gosamaru had grown ambitious and was preparing to overthrow him.

The king trusted Gosamaru but still ordered an immediate investigation. It was found that Gosamaru was increasing the numbers and training of his army. The king reluctantly followed the suggestion of Amawari and appointed him to attack Gosamaru under the king's banner. Gosamaru saw the attacking force but refused to fight. Instead, out of loyalty to the king, he committed suicide. The day he died was August 15, 1458 on the lunar calendar; the night of the full moon. Amawari was never able to overthrow King Shotaikyu. The found out the truth from his daughter, Amawari's wife: Gosamaru has always been loyal and was fortifying his castle in order to better protect King Shotaikyu. Amawari was found to be the true traitor and was defeated by the king's army soon thereafter.

This legend has been handed down by many generations of the samaurai class and held as an example of samaurai loyalty.

According to ancient books, about 400 years ago the samaurai class had the custom of offering mochi (rice dumplings) to the moon on the night of June 16th on the lunar calendar in the year a child of the house turned sixteen. The parents made a hole in the mochi and their child would view the moon through this hole. The common people imitated their practice and soon the custom merged with the original legend and gradually developed into the present day party called tsukimi.

Moon related customs are common in agrarian societies all over the world. Americans have the Man in the Moon and also talk of the harvest moon. Another Japanese fable tells how the craters and shadows on the moon were made by a rabbit pounding rice to make mochi. When Americans landed on the moon in 1969, they never found a lunar rabbit, but the Japanese still enjoy their legends and the present day tsukimi.

Modern moon-viewing parties often take place on hilltops, parks, beaches or rooftops. Anywhere with a good view of the moon is acceptable. Occasionally, tsukimi is really just a good excuse for a banquet and the moon isn't even visible from the party's location! The party brings families and/or co-workers together for an evening of merrymaking. Vast quantities of traditional foods, sake and other drinks are served as everyone relaxes and enjoys the beauty of the moon.

Some of the best places to have a moon-viewing party is the Plaza Housing area, near tees 8 or 15 of the Awase golf course, any beach on the east side of the island, or any high rise building's rooftop. My personal favorite is at White Beach Naval Base near Katsuren Castle. The beach itself is nice but the picnic area at the top of the stairs by the Ocean Cliff Club provides a spectacular view of the moon and the surrounding countryside and ocean.

Tsukimi occurs on August 15th of the lunar calendar; which falls in September on our calendar. For those of you living in Okinawa, you can watch the papers or TV guide as they publicize this event every year. Another way to find out the exact date is to ask an Okinawan friend or co-worker. They encourage Americans to join in their celebrations and learn more about their culture!

Check out Linda's wonderful site on all things Okinawan at http://www.okinawainfo.com

by Linda Gillis