Aouma-sai (White Horse Festival) at Kashima Jingu

At Kashima Jingu in Kashima, Ibaraki, the "Aouma-sai" (White Horse Festival) is held every January 7. It carries on a tradition in which a horse was once led around when the main hall's doors were first opened for the New Year, based on the belief that seeing a white horse at the year's start wards off misfortune. It later became believed that carrying something the sacred horse had stepped on grants wishes, so many worshippers lay out handkerchiefs on the ground and watch the horse proceed to the sound of ritual clappers and drums. Nanakusa rice porridge and sweet amazake are offered on the day (though offered items have been suspended in some years as a precaution). Kashima Jingu holds over 90 rites a year and is known for distinctive festivals including the Aouma-sai and a yabusame archery rite in May.