Long ago, the farmers and peasants here constantly fought amongst themselves whenever there was a water shortage brought on by drought. However, once the water was totally gone, people from neighboring villages would come together to pray for rain at Sannomiya. When it rained, the people would give thanks at the shrine. This custom of giving thanks grew ever grander out of proportion with the times when the people begged for rain. In time, they incorporated sumo wrestling, Noh plays, Kyogen comedy plays, Sumiyoshi-odori dances, and more. The shrine grounds have so many lanterns because they were donated as offerings in thanks for rain.