1.
praying for rain; rain-making ritual
A prayer or ritual performed to invoke rain during a drought. Historically practiced at shrines and temples across Japan, and still performed as a cultural tradition in some communities.
村人たちは雨乞いをした。
The villagers prayed for rain.
日照りが続き、雨乞いの儀式が行われた。
The drought continued, and a rain-making ritual was performed.
この地方には古くから伝わる雨乞いの踊りがある。
This region has a rain-prayer dance that has been handed down since ancient times.
FORMATION:
雨 (rain — using the combining form あま rather than あめ) + 乞い (begging, pleading — from 乞う, to beg).
CULTURAL NOTE:
雨乞い ceremonies have a long history in Japan, where rice farming depends heavily on adequate rainfall. Traditional rituals include prayers at 神社 (shrines), dancing, and offerings. Some communities still hold 雨乞い festivals as cultural events.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 雨乞いの儀式 (rain-prayer ceremony)
- 雨乞いの踊り (rain-prayer dance)
- 雨乞いをする (to pray for rain)