CEREMONIAL FESTIVALS

Matsuri come in all shapes and sizes. Ceremonial festivities to honor the spirits of our ancestors in the other world, and the ten thousand gods that support our everyday living.

Spring Matsuri often focus on the planting of seedlings and wishing for prosperous harvest. Many Autumn Matsuri are an ode to the natural world for providing that abundant harvest. Winter Matsuri give thanks to a full year of health and safety. And Summer Matsuri welcome our ancestors for their annual visit to this world. Amongst a spectrum of other purposes and occasions based on hyper-local regional climate and culture.

 

In Kyoto, the month of July is dedicated to Gion Matsuri. A festival that traces its origins to the year 869, spread across the city. 66 speared floats were crafted to fend off the devastating spirits. And since 1500, each neighborhood association began nurturing its own float as a representation of that neighborhood. The floats dressed ornately in the latest global fashions like Persian rugs and Belgian tapestries, served to protect each neighborhood for another year. 

There are a wide range of professionals who work to put on each Matsuri. Shrine priests, classical musicians, food stall cooks, chochin lamp craftsmen, daiku carpenters, miko shamans, amulet artisans, and fireworks masters to name a few. 

We are in the midst of a local community initiative to examine Matsuri and its place in our lives today and tomorrow. To learn more about how your organization can help support local community initiatives like these, please contact us via the form below.