일본 헤이안 시대의 작품에 나타난 ‘게가레(穢れ)’ 연구 –생사의례와 관련하여–

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to reflect on Monogatary through the Kegare shown in life and death rites which are usually implemented during the birth or death periods, by comparing and contrasting the Monogatary works before/after 『The Tale of Genji』. First, the concept of Kegare was defined and then even taboo idea related with it was examined. The Kegare represents three impurities: those in death(Sa-ye), childbirth(San-ye) and blood(Hyeol-ye). Contacting with the Kegare was called as Chock-ye, which was thought to be contagious. Hence, if someone was or seemed to be contacted with it, he/she should be excluded, avoided, restrained and purified. Thus, the myth that being adjacent to something to be sacred should be prohibited may be reversely interpreted and then habituated: it is imperative to stay away from Kegare. Second, the San-ye exhibited in childbirth rites was examined. Childbirth may be a dangerous state in which mother and child confront crisis of their lives. In order to escape from this crisis, a proper means as the field of childbirth was necessary. Therefore, the delivery room was created to prohibit contact before suffering the impurity. In this regard, restrained life might be stipulated up to seven days after the childbirth. However, it seems that daily life was not significantly interrupted in spite of deviation from the rule, only if he/she did not go into a palace or engage in Event of the Shinto shrine. Finally, the Sa-ye exhibited in a death rite was considered. The existence of impurity of the death had been recognized before it was stipulated in Goninsiki, which was also identified as ‘Kegare’ to be increasingly avoided after it was specified (as seriously contagious ‘Kegare’ and self-restriction period for 30 days) in Goninsiki. But it was less emphasized than impurity of the childbirth in the middle ages.