Aouma Shinji (White Horse Rite) at Sumiyoshi Taisha

At Sumiyoshi Taisha in Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, the "Aouma Shinji" (White Horse Rite) is held every January 7 at 11:00 in front of the First Main Hall. After prayers for national peace, the sacred horse "Hakusetsu-go," accompanied by two Shinto priests, visits each of the main halls and then runs around the First through Fourth Main Halls. The rite traces back to the Heian-era court ritual "Aouma no Sechie," in which a white horse was led into the imperial court garden, based on the belief that seeing a white horse at the year's start brings good health for the year. Special seals and charms (Takekoma-mori) are available only on this day.