The annual ritual of trampling on Christian images to enforce loyalty.
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Annual Fumie Exercise
Annual Fumie Exercise
The Ceremony
The otona and leading citizens went to the magistrate's office to receive the fumie plaque. Each household lined up to trample. The master, wife, children, even babies were made to touch the image.
The Purpose
This was a public declaration of apostasy. It was a formality, but the officials watched for signs of hesitation. The plaque was worn smooth by the feet of those who ached with pain.
Significance
