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Rites of Heritage: Spring Festivals in Kyoto, Japan
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22290 |
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Section : |
CULTURE
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5 / 2002 |
536 Words |
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Photography and text by Michel Friang
Michel Friang is a freelance photographer and can be reached
at (212)666 1097 or MFriang6@aol.com |
Every year thousands of matsuri, or traditional festivals, are held throughout Japan. The original Shinto Matsuri has been practiced for centuries. It can be traced as far back as 300 b.c, when rice farmers performed rites to ensure a good harvest. They also used matsuri to ask for good health and pacify their gods.
In Japan's ancient capital, Kyoto, there are two spring festivals of note. The Aoi Matsuri, or Hollyhock Festival, occurs every May 15. It is one of Kyoto's three big annual festivals (the other two are Gion and Gidai Matsuri). Aoi Matsuri is thought to be one of the oldest festivals in the world. Most historians trace its origins to the Heian period in the sixth century a.d. The festival is named after the dark, shiny leaves of the aoi (hollyhock), which are carried or used as decoration during the celebration. The leaves are believed to protect against natural disasters.
Aoi Matsuri has two parts: processions and sacred rites. Most of the matsuri is a slow and solemn parade of two oxcarts, four cows, thirty-six horses, and six hundred people dressed in the traditional, colorful costumes of the imperial court. Historic characters, such as Saio-Dai, a princess of the Heian period, are portrayed during the celebration. There are also imperial messengers and their followers, as well as warriors, courtiers, guards, soldiers, musicians, and furyu-gasa (big umbrellas decorated with artificial flowers).
The first part of the matsuri, known as roto-no-gi, is basically a procession toward two sacred locations: the Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines. The parade attracts thousands of spectators as it wends its way through
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