On the other hand, not only was a bow used as a weapon for hunting and for battle, but also Yumiya/Kyushi (bow and arrow) were believed to have spiritual power, so that in Nara Period dedications of Yumiya and Yumiire shrine rituals were performed, which became the origin of present festivals and shrine rituals in various places.
一方で弓は武器として狩猟、戦場で用いられた事は勿論だが、人々の間で弓矢には霊妙な力があると信じられており、奈良時代には弓矢の奉納、弓射神事が行われ、またそれらを起源とした祭りや神事が現在でも各地に残っている。