Omikoshi is best described as a portable shrine. If a festival is held for the purpose of celebrating a particular God, then that God is thought to reside inside the shrine. Often, people climb on the omikoshi and stand on top of it, all the while providing cheerful chants to motivate the carriers. Omikoshi are large and generally extremely heavy, ranging in weight from a few hundred kilograms to a few tons, and thus requiring a substantial labour-force to carry. Its a noisy, traditional spectacle that is worthwhile witnessing if you get the chance.
No comments:
Post a Comment