The original form of the Gion-shinko Faith was for the prevention of epidemics by solacing and calming the gyoyaku jin, based upon Goryo-shinko Faith, which developed during the Heian period.
平安時代に成立した御霊信仰を背景に、行疫神を慰め和ませることで疫病を防ごうとしたのが祇園信仰の原形である。