In a remarkable acknowledgment of history, hundreds of artifacts used by ‘hidden’ Christians in Nagasaki Prefecture are set to receive special recognition as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties. This recommendation was made by the Council for Cultural Affairs on January 24, highlighting the resilience and secrecy of Christians who practiced their beliefs amidst severe persecution from the 16th century until the mid-20th century.
The collection consists of 2,218 items, ranging from intricately designed prayer books known as ‘orasho’—a term derived from the Latin word for prayer—to unique religious images blending Shinto and Buddhist elements. One notable example includes a hanging scroll depicting the Virgin Mary in traditional attire, symbolizing the secretive nature of these Christians’ practices. Remarkably, these artifacts, preserved by entities like the Hirado city government, tell a story of survival against oppressive authority.
The plight of these hidden Christians intensified after the Edo Shogunate outlawed Christianity in the early 17th century, leading to brutal executions for those who remained faithful. This legacy drove officials, prior to the Hidden Christian Sites being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2018, to investigate and catalog these sacred relics. In doing so, the Nagasaki prefectural government embarked on a diligent five-year study, uncovering the rich tapestry of Christian artifacts interwoven with Japan’s cultural fabric.
Additionally, four vibrant traditional festivals, renowned for their grandeur and symbolic use of massive dolls in parades, have also been proposed for designation as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties, further enriching the narrative of this hidden faith.
Amidst historical suppression, hundreds of sacred items used by ‘hidden’ Christians in Nagasaki are recommended for designation as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties. These artifacts, including prayer books and religious images, embody the secretive faith practices that survived severe persecution from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Additionally, four traditional festivals are also recommended for recognition as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties, enriching this cultural heritage.
The perseverance of Nagasaki’s hidden Christians is not only preserved in historical artifacts but celebrated in traditional festivities. The recent recommendation for designating their sacred items as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties underscores the significance of cultural heritage in Japan. This recognition not only honors the silent struggles of these believers but also connects present generations with their forebears’ resilient spirit.
Original Source: www.asahi.com
