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Naginata Boko - The Long Sword Float

By tradition Naginata Boko is the first float in the Gion Festival annual procession on July 17. Therefore itu2019s featured in every form of Japanese mass media, and is easily the best-known float nationwide. Itu2019s instantly recognizable by the naginata halberd sword on the top of its shingi central pole.

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Naginata Boko - The Long Sword Float

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  1. Naginata Boko The Long Sword Float

  2. By tradition Naginata Boko is the first float in the Gion Festival annual procession on July 17. Therefore it’s featured in every form of Japanese mass media, and is easily the best-known float nationwide. It’s instantly recognizable by the naginatahalberd sword on the top of its shingicentral pole. Legendary swordsmithSanjoMunechika crafted the original halberd sword in the 10th century. Legend holds that it possesses mystical and healing properties. Munechika and his magical swordmaking are the subject of the noh play Kokiji.

  3. The chigo celestial child Though originally all the hoko floats had them, Naginata Boko is the only float that still has a ceremonial “celestial child” or chigo riding at its front. Historically the chigo-san underwent rigorous month-long purification rituals before the festival. This made them better vehicles for the divine energies summoned during the festival. Today the preparations are less rigorous, but the chigo is still the center of numerous ceremonies throughout the month of July. For one, he opens the Gion Festival procession on July 17 by cutting a sacred rope with a real sword.

  4. Delighting in the senses From the afternoon of July 13 through July 16, purchasing a souvenir at Naginata float gains you entrance to view some of the Naginata Boko’s beautiful treasures on the second storey of its neighborhood meeting place. This is one of the festival’s more spacious display areas. In general we can best appreciate festival art treasures with an eye for detail. See how the metal tassel-mounts on display so accurately represent different insects (can you name them?), for example. Or marvel at the damask kimono, handwoven before jacquard looms existed. This is the kind of cultural sophistication for which Kyoto’s kimono merchants have long prided themselves, rivaling the ancient capital’s aristocrats.

  5. Not into the refined details? That’s ok! Alternatively, surrender to the otherworldly sensations of the overall experience: the riot of artwork, Shinto offerings everywhere, the rarified music, and mixed fragrances wafting from food stalls and incense. Source: https://www.gionfestival.org/yamaboko-floats/saki-matsuri/naginata-boko/ The Gion Festival: Exploring Its Mysteries: https://www.gionfestival.org/book/

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