Preserving Tradition: The Annual Watch for God's Crossing on Lake Suwa and the Impact of Climate Change
In Japan, the natural phenomenon known as "miwatari" occurs when a crack forms in the frozen surface of Lake Suwa, allowing thinner ice shards to break through and create a ridge where local deities are believed to cross. The annual watch for this crossing is led by the priest of the Yatsurugi Shrine, contributing to a historical climate record. This year's watch began on January 5, with Priest Kiyoshi Miyasaka leading the observation team, hoping to witness the rare event.
The tradition of monitoring the God's Crossing dates back centuries, with records of the frozen lake surface and the appearance of miwatari. The priests at Yatsurugi Shrine have been documenting temperature readings and ice thickness, providing valuable data for climate researchers. The absence of the God's Crossing since 2018 is seen as a sign of climate change, with scientists and believers acknowledging the impact of global warming on the natural phenomenon.
The ice ridges on Lake Suwa were traditionally believed to symbolize the path of a god crossing the lake, but scientists explain them as a result of temperature fluctuations causing cracks in the frozen surface. The absence of full freezes in recent years is a warning from nature, indicating the changing climate patterns. Despite hopes for a sighting this year, the lake surface melted before the God's Crossing could appear, marking eight years without the phenomenon.
The long absence of the God's Crossing raises concerns about the impact of global warming on the climate. The documentation of the phenomenon over centuries provides valuable insights into historical climate patterns. Priest Miyasaka remains committed to preserving the tradition and passing on the message to future generations, even in the face of climate challenges. The potential disappearance of the miwatari phenomenon serves as a stark warning of the accelerating effects of global warming on natural phenomena.