遠野の「異界」と、二戸の「湯治」。一見すると遠く離れた二つの文化ですが、かつて岩手を治めた南部藩という大きな歴史の枠組みの中で、これらは密接に繋がっています。遠野で育まれた「座敷わらし」の伝承が示すのは、人間と精霊が隣り合わせで暮らす世界観。そして、県北の金田一温泉で受け継がれてきた湯治文化は、厳しい北国の冬を生き抜くための身体的知恵です。本記事では、岩手の精神性と身体性が交差する歴史の旅路を辿ります。
From Tono’s Spirits to Ninohe’s Steam: A Journey into the Folklore and Healing Traditions of the Nanbu Domain
The “otherworld” of Tono and the “hot spring healing” (toji) of Ninohe. At first glance, these may seem like two separate cultures, but they are deeply intertwined within the grand historical framework of the Nanbu Domain, which once ruled over Iwate. The legend of the Zashiki-warashi born in Tono reveals a worldview where humans and spirits coexist side by side. Meanwhile, the toji culture preserved at Kindaichi Onsen in the north represents the physical wisdom necessary to survive the brutal winters of the northern lands. In this article, we trace a historical journey where Iwate’s spirituality and physicality intersect.