History
The Eisa originated from a group dance called esa omoro, to which Buddhist songs and dances were later added. The primary theory on the dance's name is that it is derived from the word "Esa", from the line "Iro Iro no Esa Omoro" in volume 14 of Okinawa's "Omorosoushi", or book of ancient poems. "Eisa" was a refrain in Buddhist prayers for the dead. Though regarded today as entertainment, the Eisa originally had an important religious function of giving repose to the dead. An Eisa performance on street corners and at homes of villagers was comparable to performing a memorial service for village ancestors. Thus, the Eisa dance always began with songs, particularly of the Joudo sect, which invoked the Buddha. These songs were called "nembutsu" songs, and sung by wandering priest-substitute minstrels (ninbuchaa) and, later, priests themselves; some examples of these songs include "Mamauya Nembutsu", "Chouja nu Nagari", and "Yamabushi". Just as Buddhist priests used these songs to popularize Buddhist teachings, so did Ryūkyū musicians begin use Eisa dancing to popularize Ryūkyū music by replacing the Buddhist prayers with folk songs, which remain popular for Eisa accompaniment. (Ooshiro, 14, 28)
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