Abstract

The Wild Horse Chase in Soma called Soma Nomaoi, which has a 1000-year history, is a traditional sport that has existed overcoming many challenges to its survival and changing its style repeatedly as it adjusted to the changing historical periods. It has also become an important source for tourism. The style and tradition of the Nomaoi developed by the Soma clan in Oshu was established by around 1700, and has been held as a sacred ritual by three shrines, Nakamura, Ota and Odaka. Originally a samurai festival, a change in organizers prompted the inclusion of commoners. A lack of the wild horses also caused the festival to evolve into the contest for the sacred banners. Nomaoi was once dedicated to the god Myoken; however, it is treated as a sacred festival for the god Ame no minaka nushi no mikoto. The scheduling of the festival has also changed to make accommodate the practicalities of modern life while focusing on the inheritance of traditional culture. The cavalry that carries out the festival and the audience that observe the festival also play roles which dramatize the tradition of the festival. Verf.-Referat