O-Bon Matsuri - Part 2

As you read in the last post, I was at Bon-Matsuri as visitor. This time I went as participant ^^
Some time ago, Hayashi-san invited me to go to Bon-Matsuri and to carry the little shrine with other people, which is a part of this festival. Of course, I said yes, because when do you have the chance to participate in a cultural activity like this? But okay, let's start with the first thing, the traditional dance.

At first, I have not real dance skills, everyone who knows me well, knows probably this fact ;) I can just dance some AIESEC dances which doesn't really count. Or does it count? Who knows :D

With Hayashi-san in front of the shrine

Bon-Odori is the name of this traditional dance, so it says Wikipedia :) When I remember correctly, it also brings you luck. That's not for sure but when I believe in it, it will probably have the same effect ;) The dance is really easy, just a few steps. So after I got into right spirit, I prepared myself for the carrying process ;)

At first you need the traditional clothes. Is the name for it Kimono or Yukata? Sorry but right now I don't know the right name, maybe some of you can help me ^^ Anyway, I got some at a stand in the area. Get Clothes: Check. Then I had to find out which part of the shrine I will carry and how. Because I am tall, I couldn't carry it on my shoulders like everyone else. Luckily, Hayashi-san helped me and at the end someone told us that I have to carry it just with my arms and I will be positioned at the end of the center. Find Position: Check.

Before we started to carry the shrine, we, the carriers, got some Sake. (I mean the rice wine) After a loud "Kampai!", we were ready to start. Drinking Alcohol: Check.

SAKE !!!

 So the procedure began. At first it was a little bit like a military march, because we stomped in the same rythm which was given by a pipe and we said in this rythm something like "Uriya" or "Uya". I couldn't really get what it means, I think it's like a battle cry or so :D

Still enough energy to smile ;)

Of course it was exhausting but it was really cool to participate too ^^ I can just recommend it to everyone because it is fun and you're feeling that you are really getting into the Japanese Culture :) And maybe carrying a shrine brings luck too, who knows? ;)