𝒢ion ℳatsuri by Iv

𝒲hat is the Gion Matsuri?

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 16:27:20 UTC

The Gion Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Japan that is located in Kyoto. The festival is summer centered around Shinto ceremonies conducted at Yasaka Shrine (Yasaka Jinjya), with the main draw a parade of 33 large floats called yama and hoko in mid-July.

ℋistory

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 16:28:59 UTC

The Gion Festival originated in 869 when the Emperor of Japan mandated a religious ceremony to appease the gods and quell the plague that was devastating the city of Kyoto. The people back then created 66 tall spears, which symbolized the 66 provinces that existed in Japan

𝒴oiyama and the First Float Procession, the main events

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 17:09:53 UTC

The event that atracts everyone is called Yoiyama that happens on the night of July 16th and the Yamahoko Junko (First Float Procession). At this time, the roads are close for vehicles and you can also enjoy Japanese food in the streets

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 17:13:02 UTC

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 17:13:40 UTC

Gion Matsuri was celebrated every time there was a disease in Japan. However, in 970, it was decided that the festival turned out to be celebrated annually. In 1533, the Ashikaga shogunate decided to ban the religious elements of the festival; it gradually turned into an opportunity for the wealthy and prestigious residents of Kyoto to showcase their status. Now, Gion Matsuri came back to have religious elements

𝒯he food

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 17:16:23 UTC

The food stalls have a big variety. However, they change each year. Here are one of the most famous food:

𝒪konomiyaki

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 17:18:24 UTC

Pan-fried dish that consists of batter and cabbage. usually contains seafood, pork, beef, or other type of protein

𝒴akitori

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 18:01:01 UTC

Grilled chicken skewers glazed in a special sauce. there can be several different types, made from different parts of a chicken.

𝒯akoyaki

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 18:03:30 UTC

Grilled chicken skewers glazed in a special sauce. there can be several different types, made from different parts of a chicken.

𝒴akisoba

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 18:06:03 UTC

Stir-fried noodles made with Chinese-style noodles and a sweet and savory sauce. usually contains cabbage, pork, and other veggies.

𝒦akigori

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 20:31:37 UTC

Japanese shaved ice dessert. topped with syrup or your choice.

𝒯aiyaki

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 20:36:27 UTC

A fish-shaped cake, made in the image of a tai, or red sea bream. comes with a variety of fillings including anko red bean paste, custard, and chocolate.

𝒯he First Float Procession

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 20:48:56 UTC

When: July 17 (9:00a.m.~1:00p.m.)
Where: Beginning at Shijo Station, and ending just past Karauma Oike Station
What: The procession, or parade, is the true climax and jewel of the Gion Festival, held to purify the streets. After the sacred rope on Fuyacho Street is cut by the sacred child, the procession officially starts. 2/3rds of the participating floats make their way through the streets, but the true spectacles are the 3 large turns, or tsujimawashi, that the floats make. To get a good view, we recommend grabbing a spot on one of the corners where the turns take place. The 1st turn is at the intersection by Kawaramachi Station (around 9:30), the second at the intersection near Kyoto City Hall (around 10:20), and the last at Shinmachi Oike Street (around 11:20).

𝒴oiyama

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 20:50:52 UTC

When: July 14~16 (during the evenings)

Where: Shijo-Karasuma area

What: This night-time festival is the main enjoyment for many Kyoto residents and visitors, as food stalls line the streets and the floats are lit up and on display. You can purchase lucky charms, enjoy eating traditional ‘chimaki’, and if you’re lucky, you may have a chance to climb into a traditional parade float. If you truly want to blend in with the locals, we recommend wearing a yukata, or light summer kimono, to the festival. Many Japanese choose to dress up and participate wearing traditional clothe during this festival.

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 20:55:23 UTC

While the Gion Matsuri began as a purification ritual, it eventually evolved into a display of wealth and opulence for merchants and affluent citizens of the Kamakura period. The extravagance and intricate details of the festival’s floats increased significantly. Due to merchant involvement, goods from outside Japan were acquired through the Silk Road starting in the 16th century, and some floats feature artwork from regions like the Middle East and Europe.

𝒴ama and hoko

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 20:58:12 UTC

The term "Yamaboko" refers to the two types of floats in the procession: 23 yama and 10 hoko. One of the reasons the Gion Matsuri is so remarkable is the sheer size of the hoko, which can reach up to 25 meters in height, weigh as much as 12 tons, and are pulled on wheels as tall as people. Both yama and hoko are intricately decorated, each representing unique themes. The July 17 procession includes 23 yama and hoko, showcasing most of the especially impressive hoko, while the July 24 procession features the remaining 10 yama and hoko.

𝒮ources

themejibraylover — 2024-10-04 21:01:07 UTC

The sources used:

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3942.html

https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/july/gion-festival-yasaka-shrine-downtown/

https://www.machiya-inn-japan.com/blog/gion-festival/#:~:text=The%20History%20of%20Gion%20Matsuri,-%C2%A9%20oben901%20%2F%20Adobe&text=The%20Gion%20Festival%20dates%20back,ravaging%20the%20city%20of%20Kyoto.