A Miyako Island customSourced
Mud with a blessing behind it
During Paantu on Japan’s Miyako Island, masked visitors spread sacred mud on people and houses. The practice is associated with good fortune and driving away harmful spirits. The frightening appearance is only one part of the custom.
Here, a smear of mud can carry a wish for well-being.
Summary / translation: Unbubly · CC BY-SA 4.0
Source and reuse details
Paantu · Wikimedia contributors
Adapted, summarized and translated from the source. Adapted text is also available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reviewed: 2026-10-10