The last evening before the parade – known as yoiyama – is traditionally the biggest in terms of crowds, with many staying up all night. It’s the last chance to view all the many displays and in the early … Read the rest
Category: Festivals (Page 18 of 26)
For three evenings before the Gion Matsuri main parade on May 17, the centre of Kyoto is closed to traffic (known as pedestrians’ heaven) as the area is packed with crowds making their way around the various floats and … Read the rest
Today was one of the important pre-events of the Gion Matsuri, when the mikoshi arai (purification of the kami’s palanquin) took place. Basically the mikoshi of Yasaka Shrine (aka Gion sha), which is the host shrine of the Gion Festival, … Read the rest
As we come up towards the main events in the Gion Festival on July 15-17, we’ll be hearing more about the figure at the centre of proceedings – the young boys known as chigo. What are these mysterious white-faced boys … Read the rest
Thanks to Rachelle Soto, Green Shinto has been able to learn the feelings of a Saoi-dai, about whom we have written earlier (see here). Rachelle was able to gain an exclusive interview with Atsuko Kamei, who was chosen … Read the rest
An article in The Japan News describes the spiritual nature behind the Gion Festival from the viewpoint of a former chigo, the young boy who symbolises purity and innocence at the head of the parade. The chigo are chosen … Read the rest
In Kyoto, the Gion Festival season has opened and interest is being directed to different aspects of this ancient and most fascinating festival. One little-known point is how much Western input there is, and an article from The Japan … Read the rest