Aoi: Does the name conjure images of ancient traditions? Aoi is more than just a name. It is a symbol steeped in Japanese history and culture. Let’s explore the world of Aoi.
Aoi’s story begins over 2600 years ago. Legend says the deity Kamowake Ikazuchi-no-Okami descended near Kamigamo Shrine. The deity decorated Koyama with hollyhocks. Hollyhock then became a sacred herb, used to pray for the god’s appearance.
During Emperor Kinmei’s reign, chaos plagued the land. Poor harvests and epidemics were rampant. The gods were asked for a solution. The divine message was clear: Decorate a horse with Aoi and hold a festival. This tradition mirrors the god of Kamigamo Shrine’s descent. The people quickly followed these instructions. Crops flourished and the country regained peace. This marks the origin of the Aoi Festival.
Aoi frequently appears in Heian literature. “Aoi, Itoyo Kazashi” is found in The Pillow Book. This translates to “Aoi is very good.” The name Aoi, written as “Afuhi”, means “meeting God”. This meaning expanded to include encounters between people. Aoi became a popular word in Japanese poetry.
Aoi acts as a connector. It bridges people and gods. It also connects people to each other. Enshu Yamanaka Sake Brewery, known as “Aoi Tenka,” fostered a relationship with Kamigamo Shrine. This connection was made through the significance of Aoi. They dedicated the Aoi world through special prayers. They also distributed the Futaba Aoi plant.
The Tokugawa family crest features a three-leaf hollyhock. Enshu, where the sake brewery is located, has a long history with the Tokugawa River. The brewery’s representative brand, Aoi, is named in honor of this connection.
Why did the Tokugawa family choose Aoi for their crest? Kamigamo Shrine plays a role here too. The Matsudaira and Honda families of Mikawa Province were Kamo Shrine believers. They used the Aoi as their family crest. The Tokugawa family descended from the Matsudaira family. They changed the Futaba Aoi design to “Maru ni Mitsu Aoi” for their crest. Ieyasu prohibited other families from using the Aoi crest. This was to enhance the family’s dignity. The three-leaf Aoi is rare in reality. It is said to be fictitious.
In 1610, Kamigamo Shrine presented Aoi to Tokugawa Ieyasu at Sunpu Castle. This marked the beginning of annual Aoi presentations. Envoys visited Edo Castle to give Aoi to the Tokugawa Shogunate. By maintaining ties with the Tokugawa family, the shrine supported its construction. The Tokugawa family solidified their authority by showing their link to Kamigamo Shrine.
The Aoi presentation ceremony stopped for a while. It was revived in 2007, after 140 years. Kamigamo Shrine presented Aoi to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine on the anniversary of Ieyasu’s death. Ieyasu is enshrined there. This ceremony is part of the Shizuoka Festival in April. It keeps the culture alive today.
The Aoi Project supports the cultivation of Aoi. Aoi is essential for the Aoi Festival, but it has been declining. Worried citizens started raising Aoi and giving them to the shrine. The NPO Aoi Project was established in 2010. Since 2020, it has been operating as the General Incorporated Foundation Aoi Project.
The project started with students at Kamigamo Elementary School. The following year, the Aoi increased threefold. It spread to other schools and companies. By growing hollyhocks, ancient culture is protected. Precious nature is passed on to the next generation.
Aoi. It’s more than a plant. It’s a symbol of connection, history, and cultural pride.