The ship of shichifukujin marches around the Shijo street

KYOTO, Japan - Jan. 9, 2014 - PRLog -- Japan's Shichifukujin--usually identified as Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Fukurokuju, Jurojin, and Hotei--are traditionally believed to bring good fortune and happiness to people. The seven have long been depicted in painting, sculpture, song, and dance and began to be worshiped as a group several hundred years ago. The practice of making a meguri, or pilgrimage, to shrines and temples of all the Shichifukujin during the New Year season became popular during the Edo period (1603-1868). Shichifukujin Meguri are still popular everywhere in Japan--including the Fukagawa and Kameido districts of Tokyo's Koto-ku.

You can make your own Fukagawa Shichifukujin Meguri or Kameido Shichifukujin Meguri here with our best wishes for a happy year of the saru (monkey)--that's 2004.

Ebisu Image.Ebisu is the deity of prosperity in one's occupation. In agricultural villages he is considered a deity of the rice paddies, and in fishing villages he is believed to ensure a good catch. He is also venerated as a deity of the kitchen. Ebisu is usually depicted carrying a sea bream (a symbol of good luck) under his left arm and a fishing rod in his right hand. In Fukagawa Ebisu is enshrined at Tomioka Hachimangu; in Kameido he is enshrined at Katori Jinja.

http://youtu.be/tOLeImucZx0