Flower Party Ceremony (Nara, Yakushiji) 花会式　はなえしき

March 25th to 31st is the Flower Party Ceremony at Nara’s Yakushi temple. During this time there are prayers for prosperity of the nation, a rich rice harvest, and the happiness of all people. There are ten different kinds of flowers on display at an alter area of Yakushi temple that are tended to by a monk. On the last day, March 31st there is a Demon Chasing Ceremony.

The Flower Party Ceremony started in 1107, when Emperor Horikawa prayed for the empress’s illness to be healed in Yakushi temple. Eventually the empress recovered from her illness and spiritual trial. One year later the empress ordered her lady in waiting to bring ten different kinds of flowers to the temple to be displayed in the holiest area. The emperor decreed afterwards that this should be done from then on. So or almost 1,000 years they have been offering 10 bouquets of ten different varieties of flower to the patron Bodhisattva of this temple.