Many of the Japanese ceremonies start with purification. Beginning the year is the New Year's ceremony and Setsubun (February), which occurs before the start of rice planting. This is followed by the children's days. Oni, the demons (ogres) are plagues, drafts, or other misfortunes in disguise. Shoki, originated from the 8th century Chinese mythology, was known to have cured the Emperor (who was gravely ill of an unknown cause) by defeating demons in his dream. We can find Shoki figures or masks displayed outside of old temples or houses in the Kyoto area. There is also an old Japanese Oni and Shoki tale from Kyoto of a wife who had been ill for a long time. The husband and wide were told that a neighbor's Oni-gawara (decorative roof tile) was facing their house and putting a curse on them. They could not ask the neighbor to take it down. Once they placed a tile of Shoki on their roof glaring at the demon tile, the wife was completely cured. Shoki established himself as one of the protective figures for the Japanese Boy's Day sometime in Edo Period (1603-1868).

When these photos were taken, two nobori (each consisted of two long strips sewn together - 17 inches in width) were placed side by side. These panels were washed thoroughly and prior to washing, the strings holding the handles together were cut (but still attached) for even washing. These handles can be removed later or sewn back, if desired. The seems (all hand sewn) on top of the right side nobori is open without handles. There are no handles on the side as well. We are not sure how they were originally hung but we can guess that they were taken out sometime ago. The art work on this set is exceptionally beautiful. There are some faint stains but none of them are noticeable.