粟穂・稗穂

Awabie Hiebe. This curious name marks a special tradition at Hie Jinja Shrine. Hie Jinja, nestled near the Imperial Palace, holds a fascinating connection to Awabie Hiebe (粟穂稗穂). This ritual celebrates the importance of millet and barnyard millet, known as hie and awa in Japanese. These grains, now mostly used for bird feed in modern Japan, were once vital staples. Awabie Hiebe is a prayer for a bountiful harvest of these precious grains. Imagine a time when rice, now a daily staple, was a rare delicacy. Farmers rarely tasted rice, reserving it for special occasions and festivals. Millet and barnyard millet, however, were their sustenance. These grains held a place of honor, their harvest a matter of life and death. On January 14th, farmers would craft Awabie Hiebe from bamboo and the wood of the katsura tree. These symbolic offerings were placed in the home and barn, a plea to the gods for a successful harvest. Hie and awa could be eaten alone as boiled grains. But they were often mixed with rice or other grains, adding flavor and nutrition. Sometimes, they were even incorporated with vegetables or burdock root to create a more substantial meal. This illustrates the resourcefulness of farmers and their deep respect for these life-sustaining grains. Here at Hie Jinja, dedicated to the guardian deity of Tokyo, Awabie Hiebe reminds us of a time when hie and awa were central to Japanese life. Though times have changed, the ritual serves as a poignant reminder of the past. It offers a glimpse into the lives of those who relied on these humble grains. So, as you explore Hie Jinja, remember the story of Awabie Hiebe. It’s a testament to the enduring power of tradition. It’s a tribute to the vital role that these often-overlooked grains played in shaping Japanese culture.