July 24 / Gion Matsuri Atomatsuri :Another Big Day
2 Big festivals started almost at the same time. Today is "Ato-matsuri" or "Latter Festival" of Kyoto Gion Matsuri and this day may be more appealing than the last week's former "Saki-matsuri" as the following 2 major events are performed on the same day.
At 09:30am 10 Yama-boko(floats) parade 後祭り 山鉾巡行
At 10:00am Hanagasa Junko parade 花笠巡行
The scale of Yama-boko Junko (Float Precession) is smaller than the last week's Saki Matsuri with 10 Floats (mainly smaller "Hoko" floats rolling). However the streets are a little less crowded, so it maybe more enjoyable than the super congested Saki-matsuri float parade day. This year's procession order is :
1. Hashibenkei-yama 橋弁慶山
The figures on this float depict a very famous story from Japanese history. Benkei, a monk-warrior in armor, and Ushiwakamaru, a young boy in everyday dress, had a fight on the Gojo Bridge in Kyoto. Ushiwakamaru won, despite the fact that Benkei was a very powerful warrior, who had never been defeated by anyone before. The figure of Ushiwakamaru standing on one foot and supporting the rest of his body, is considered to be a masterpiece of design and workmanship. The tapestries were produced during the Ming dynasty in China.
2. Kita-Kan-non-Yama 北観音山
Because this float is dedicated to Yoryu Kan-non (a merciful goddess) and Idaten (a guardian deity), their figures are on the float. The originals were carved by a famous Buddhist priest, but unfortunately these were destroyed in one of the many fires which have plagued Kyoto throughout its history. The metallic decorations located around the transoms of the float are especially beautiful, and make this float much more gorgeous and magnificent. ( Kita-Kan-non-Yama is "Yama" not a "Hoko". It has a pine tree on top. Due to its massiveness unable to carry on human shoulders, therefore it's being pulled like the other rival Minami-Kan-non-yama).
3. Koi-yama 鯉山
The theme of this float comes from a legend that if a carp ("koi" in Japanese) could swim up ryumon 竜門 (a waterfall), it would become a dragon. The figure of the carp on this float is quite realistic, vivid and beautiful, as if a living carp is jumping up the waterfall. The shrine on this float is dedicated to Susano-o no Mikoto”, a powerful deity in Japanese mythology. The designs of most of the tapestries describe stories of the Trojan War in Greek literature. They were produced in the 16th century in Brussels, Belgium.
4. En-no-gyoja-yama 役行者山
This is the only float bearing three different figures . En no Gyoja, who sits in the middle, is a very high ranking ascetic. Hitokoto nushi, who stands on the left, is a man who built a long stone bridge by order of En no Gyoja. The Goddess Katsuragi stands on the right. This scene depicts a Japanese fable. En no Gyoja gained his power through his severe ascetic practices, and he could control both gods and human beings.
5. Hachiman-yana 八幡山
The object of worship of the small Shinto shrine which located on this float is Hachiman, one of the most famous Japanese gods.
The miniature shrine on the float is decorated with gold foil, and it is said to have been made in the Tenmei period, between 1781 and 1788.
6. Minami-Kan-non-yama 南観音山
According to the traditional regulations of the Gion Festival, every year this float comes last in the procession, just as Naginata Hoko comes first. This float is dedicated to Yoryu Kannon (a merciful goddess), and her image is placed together with a figure of a Saint. These figures are said to protect people from all forms of sickness. Also, the large willow branch which protrudes from the float is believed to chase all sickness away. The decorated ball at each corner of the float represents incense, the symbol of the goddess of medicine. ( Minami-Kan-non-yama is "Yama" not a hoko. It has a pine tree on top. Due to its massiveness unable to carry on human shoulders, therefore it's being pulled just like Kita-Kan-non-yama.)
7. Suzuka-yama 鈴鹿山
According to a Japanese legend, a demon threatened the peaceful life of a small village by attacking its inhabitants and passing travelers every night. The Goddess Suzuka, to whom this float is dedicated, encountered and defeated this demon. The Goddess Suzuka has a halberd in her left hand. She is dressed in female attire and capped by a gold hat, and is, therefore, said to protect travelers from robberies and harm.
8. Jo-myo-yama 浄妙山
The scene on this float depicts the story of a famous battle that occurred in the 12th century, between the Heike and Genji clans, at the Uji River near Kyoto. Ichirai, a monk warrior, jumped over his fellow monk warrior Jomyo to rush headfirst into the enemy ranks. The figure of Ichirai jumping in the air is supported by a wooden wedge.
9. Kuronushi-yama 黒主山
The figure on this float is Otomo no Kuronushi, an outstanding tenth century Japanese poet. The scene depicts this poet looking up at the beautiful cherry blossoms. The railing decorations on this float are made of metal in the shape of cherry, peony, chrysanthemum flowers and maple leaves, signifying the four seasons. According to Japanese legend, if one puts cherry blossoms from this float on the front door, evil can never get into the house.
10. O-Fune-hoko 大船鉾
ŌFUNE HOKO performed the role of the final position in the procession of the last festival, exempted from the lottery, called Gaisen Funehoko‐returning in triumph, while FUNE HOKO in the first festival called Shutsujin Funehoko‐going into battle. The float has its origin more than 500 years ago. It has been absent from the procession since losing its house frame, wooden structure, wheels and so forth in the Hamaguri Gomon Incident in 1864, although it had been revived several times against suffering from the big fires through the Edo period.
After passing many years, in 1997, hayashi - the float orchestra revived and Ōfune Hoko resumed as “Imatsuri”, not joining the procession, displaying with the figure of Empress Jingū which had escaped from the fire, the big gold strips decorating at the bow, and the great steering wheel, mizuhiki, maekake, ushirokake and others produced by using high technique of fabric and embroidery. That brought a great opportunity for revival. In 2012 Ōfune Hoko “Karabitsu” style procession began, and finally in 2014, with the enthusiasm of Shijo-cho residents and the support of many people, it joined the procession after 150 years’ absence.
Today's Another Highlight is :
The Hanagasa Junko (花笠巡行), Kyoto Maiko and Women's Parade starts from Yasaka Shrine at 10:00 am
Hundred years ago, there were two parades in Gion Matsuri, one on July 17th, the other July 24th, participated by different Hoko and Yama. These two parades were later combined to form the grand parade held on 7/17. The 7/24 one metamorphosed into a parade with Hanagasa which is said to be the ancient form of Yama and Hoko.
Participants who performed dances and other types of art as an offering to deities in Yasaka Shrine, go to the streets of Kyoto to be greeted by general public.
The word hanagasa consists of two parts: hana means “flower” in Japanese; kasa means “an umbrella” but also a large straw hat, which protects from sun or rain.
In the Hanagasa Parade during the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto. It proceeds in a loop through Shijo-dori, Kawaramachi-dori, Oike-dori and Teramachi-dori where we can see both: large umbrellas and hats decorated with flowers. There is also a real treat for photographers and tourists – maiko – geisha apprentices all grouped together in a cart pulled by young men.
The Hanagasa Parade is the second largest public event of Gion Matsuri after 2 Yamaboko Float Processions(17th and 24th). The Hanagasa Parade ends at 12:00 noon in front of the Yasaka Shrine gate to Gion District.
17:*****nko-sai Festival（還幸祭)
Many people join to carry the three mikoshi (portable shrine) back from Otabisho to Yasaka Shrine. When mikoshi arrive at the shrine, special prayers will be held to welcome the spirits back to their main ''home.'' This ceremony ends around midnight.
- end of July 24 Kyoto Gion Matsuri -
At 09:30am 10 Yama-boko(floats) parade 後祭り 山鉾巡行
At 10:00am Hanagasa Junko parade 花笠巡行
The scale of Yama-boko Junko (Float Precession) is smaller than the last week's Saki Matsuri with 10 Floats (mainly smaller "Hoko" floats rolling). However the streets are a little less crowded, so it maybe more enjoyable than the super congested Saki-matsuri float parade day. This year's procession order is :
1. Hashibenkei-yama 橋弁慶山
The figures on this float depict a very famous story from Japanese history. Benkei, a monk-warrior in armor, and Ushiwakamaru, a young boy in everyday dress, had a fight on the Gojo Bridge in Kyoto. Ushiwakamaru won, despite the fact that Benkei was a very powerful warrior, who had never been defeated by anyone before. The figure of Ushiwakamaru standing on one foot and supporting the rest of his body, is considered to be a masterpiece of design and workmanship. The tapestries were produced during the Ming dynasty in China.
2. Kita-Kan-non-Yama 北観音山
Because this float is dedicated to Yoryu Kan-non (a merciful goddess) and Idaten (a guardian deity), their figures are on the float. The originals were carved by a famous Buddhist priest, but unfortunately these were destroyed in one of the many fires which have plagued Kyoto throughout its history. The metallic decorations located around the transoms of the float are especially beautiful, and make this float much more gorgeous and magnificent. ( Kita-Kan-non-Yama is "Yama" not a "Hoko". It has a pine tree on top. Due to its massiveness unable to carry on human shoulders, therefore it's being pulled like the other rival Minami-Kan-non-yama).
3. Koi-yama 鯉山
The theme of this float comes from a legend that if a carp ("koi" in Japanese) could swim up ryumon 竜門 (a waterfall), it would become a dragon. The figure of the carp on this float is quite realistic, vivid and beautiful, as if a living carp is jumping up the waterfall. The shrine on this float is dedicated to Susano-o no Mikoto”, a powerful deity in Japanese mythology. The designs of most of the tapestries describe stories of the Trojan War in Greek literature. They were produced in the 16th century in Brussels, Belgium.
4. En-no-gyoja-yama 役行者山
This is the only float bearing three different figures . En no Gyoja, who sits in the middle, is a very high ranking ascetic. Hitokoto nushi, who stands on the left, is a man who built a long stone bridge by order of En no Gyoja. The Goddess Katsuragi stands on the right. This scene depicts a Japanese fable. En no Gyoja gained his power through his severe ascetic practices, and he could control both gods and human beings.
5. Hachiman-yana 八幡山
The object of worship of the small Shinto shrine which located on this float is Hachiman, one of the most famous Japanese gods.
The miniature shrine on the float is decorated with gold foil, and it is said to have been made in the Tenmei period, between 1781 and 1788.
6. Minami-Kan-non-yama 南観音山
According to the traditional regulations of the Gion Festival, every year this float comes last in the procession, just as Naginata Hoko comes first. This float is dedicated to Yoryu Kannon (a merciful goddess), and her image is placed together with a figure of a Saint. These figures are said to protect people from all forms of sickness. Also, the large willow branch which protrudes from the float is believed to chase all sickness away. The decorated ball at each corner of the float represents incense, the symbol of the goddess of medicine. ( Minami-Kan-non-yama is "Yama" not a hoko. It has a pine tree on top. Due to its massiveness unable to carry on human shoulders, therefore it's being pulled just like Kita-Kan-non-yama.)
7. Suzuka-yama 鈴鹿山
According to a Japanese legend, a demon threatened the peaceful life of a small village by attacking its inhabitants and passing travelers every night. The Goddess Suzuka, to whom this float is dedicated, encountered and defeated this demon. The Goddess Suzuka has a halberd in her left hand. She is dressed in female attire and capped by a gold hat, and is, therefore, said to protect travelers from robberies and harm.
8. Jo-myo-yama 浄妙山
The scene on this float depicts the story of a famous battle that occurred in the 12th century, between the Heike and Genji clans, at the Uji River near Kyoto. Ichirai, a monk warrior, jumped over his fellow monk warrior Jomyo to rush headfirst into the enemy ranks. The figure of Ichirai jumping in the air is supported by a wooden wedge.
9. Kuronushi-yama 黒主山
The figure on this float is Otomo no Kuronushi, an outstanding tenth century Japanese poet. The scene depicts this poet looking up at the beautiful cherry blossoms. The railing decorations on this float are made of metal in the shape of cherry, peony, chrysanthemum flowers and maple leaves, signifying the four seasons. According to Japanese legend, if one puts cherry blossoms from this float on the front door, evil can never get into the house.
10. O-Fune-hoko 大船鉾
ŌFUNE HOKO performed the role of the final position in the procession of the last festival, exempted from the lottery, called Gaisen Funehoko‐returning in triumph, while FUNE HOKO in the first festival called Shutsujin Funehoko‐going into battle. The float has its origin more than 500 years ago. It has been absent from the procession since losing its house frame, wooden structure, wheels and so forth in the Hamaguri Gomon Incident in 1864, although it had been revived several times against suffering from the big fires through the Edo period.
After passing many years, in 1997, hayashi - the float orchestra revived and Ōfune Hoko resumed as “Imatsuri”, not joining the procession, displaying with the figure of Empress Jingū which had escaped from the fire, the big gold strips decorating at the bow, and the great steering wheel, mizuhiki, maekake, ushirokake and others produced by using high technique of fabric and embroidery. That brought a great opportunity for revival. In 2012 Ōfune Hoko “Karabitsu” style procession began, and finally in 2014, with the enthusiasm of Shijo-cho residents and the support of many people, it joined the procession after 150 years’ absence.
Today's Another Highlight is :
The Hanagasa Junko (花笠巡行), Kyoto Maiko and Women's Parade starts from Yasaka Shrine at 10:00 am
Hundred years ago, there were two parades in Gion Matsuri, one on July 17th, the other July 24th, participated by different Hoko and Yama. These two parades were later combined to form the grand parade held on 7/17. The 7/24 one metamorphosed into a parade with Hanagasa which is said to be the ancient form of Yama and Hoko.
Participants who performed dances and other types of art as an offering to deities in Yasaka Shrine, go to the streets of Kyoto to be greeted by general public.
The word hanagasa consists of two parts: hana means “flower” in Japanese; kasa means “an umbrella” but also a large straw hat, which protects from sun or rain.
In the Hanagasa Parade during the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto. It proceeds in a loop through Shijo-dori, Kawaramachi-dori, Oike-dori and Teramachi-dori where we can see both: large umbrellas and hats decorated with flowers. There is also a real treat for photographers and tourists – maiko – geisha apprentices all grouped together in a cart pulled by young men.
The Hanagasa Parade is the second largest public event of Gion Matsuri after 2 Yamaboko Float Processions(17th and 24th). The Hanagasa Parade ends at 12:00 noon in front of the Yasaka Shrine gate to Gion District.
17:*****nko-sai Festival（還幸祭)
Many people join to carry the three mikoshi (portable shrine) back from Otabisho to Yasaka Shrine. When mikoshi arrive at the shrine, special prayers will be held to welcome the spirits back to their main ''home.'' This ceremony ends around midnight.
- end of July 24 Kyoto Gion Matsuri -
8年前
