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There are several different forms of Dongje (Village Ritual) such as Seonangje (Tutelary Festival for the Local God) and Tapsinje in addition to Sansinje (Sacrificial Rite for the Mountain God. Sansinje is practiced in most areas; Seonangje is practiced north of the Hangang River while Tapsinje is practiced primarily south of the Hangang River. The Oti Tutelary Deities Ritesis a type of Seonangje that is widespread north of the Hangang River that focuses on the tutelary deities.
The origin of this rite is unclear. However, considering the fact that Oti Village was created about 400 years ago, the rite may have started at this time as well. If we were to look at the historical background, which states that a beacon fire station was located in the mountain behind the village and that fire signalers have stayed there, there may be some association with the rite and the fire station. This is also a local faith that has been handed down generation to generation.
The Oti Tutelary Deities Rites is done on the night of January 14th and Sansinje is completed on the morning of the 15th. Seonangje is done in the upper and lower hall; afterwards, the rite is completed in the main hall. The procedures for choosing the ceremony leader are done in various stages such as Yeongsin, Osin, and Songsin. There is also a folk party that involves Korean traditional music.
The shrine contains the Seonang Tree in which the spirit is at. The rite is on every year since most, if not all, residents actively participate in the rites, which have strict taboos.
The Oti Tutelary Deities Rites is a village ritual that contains the native belief of the people and the inclusion of societal rules. It is Seonangje, a belief that started north of the Hangang River. There are 5 shrines near the village, and unique in that the rites are held every two years. It is also the only Seonang Tutelary Deities Rites to exist in Chungcheongbuk-do.