Hitomaru-eigu (人丸影供) was a type of ritualistic "waka" composition popular in medieval Japan.
Name.
"Hitomaru-eigu" are also known as "Hitomaru-ku" (人丸供), "Hitomaru-kuyō" (人丸供養) or "Hitomaro-eigu" (人麻呂影供).
Ritual.
"Hitomaru-eigu" involves the collective composition of "waka" in the form of an "uta-awase" or "uta-kai" (歌会) dedicated to the spirit of Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, who was revered as the patron saint of poetry. It was performed before an image of Hitomaro. Dedication of "sake" or flowers and incense could also be involved.
History.
The practice of "Hitomaru-eigu" flourished from the late Heian period through the middle ages. The first "Hitomaru-eigu" was held by Rokujō Akisue in 1118 after Hitomaro appeared before him in a dream.
References.
Citations.
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Works cited.
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