In the Muromachi period the idea of celebrating the '7 Gods of Fortune' began in Kyōto, and it is likely that the first Shichifukujin Mairi pilgrimage (都七福神まいり) originated at Ebisu-jinja (えびす神社).
From Kyōto similar pilgrimages spread across Japan.
Ebisu-jinja's 'Tōka Ebisu Matsuri' (十日えびす祭 'Ebisu’s Festival on the 10th Day') is held around Ebisu's birthday on January 10th (he was born in the Year of the Tiger).
As he god of business prosperity, fisherman, and good fortune, Ebisu is one of the most popular of the '7 Gods of Fortune' (七福神).
5) FUKUROKUJU🍀
Fukurokuju (福禄寿) is the god of wisdom, longevity, wealth and happiness.
In Kyōto he is worshipped at Sekizanzen-in (赤山禅院), 1 of 7 sites that make up a pilgrimage to the '7 Gods of Fortune' (七福神).
The omikuji here are known as 'osugata-mikuji' (お姿みくじ).
Placing an image of the Takarabune beneath your pillow on January 2nd is said to encourage dreams. If you dream of the boat, the year will be a lucky one.
In this busy twilight period between the old year and the new the 'Seven Gods of Fortune' (七福神) provide a useful service.
As a group they can pretty much answer all your prayers, from health to happiness, from improved business to improved brain capacity.
🙏🍀'THE SEVEN GODS OF FORTUNE' (七福神)🪙💸
O New Year's god
this year too
send help!
とし神やことしも御世話下さるる
-Kobayashi Issa (小林一茶).
Trans. David G. Lanoue.
As the year draws to a close, images of seven cheerful figures (often riding a treasure laden boat) begin to appear all over Japan.
The Shichifukujin journey in the Takarabune (宝船 'Treasure Ship') to the human realm for the first three days of New Year.
Camellia Tea Ceremony
Brian Small