Skip to main content

Tanabata 2010 - Miyagi

07/08/2010

七夕祭り - Tanabata matsuri of Sendai is one of the biggest ceremonial occasions in the Touhoku area  of Japan. This is  normally held for three consecutive days, and this year it was held on 6th ,7th and  8th of August.People from all　over Japan gather in Sendai in this period to see the ceremony. Schools are closed and new transportation services, shops, services and decorations change the daily routines of Sendai.

I had the chance to witness the Tanabata ceremony on the 7th of August 2010. It is a parade where the Sendai people dance and perform their traditional dances, dramas and arts. The main road is closed and audience gather on the pavement and the road. Well, I could manage to find a place at the very front, on the road where one can witness the opening and closing ceremonies.

The opening ceremony of the 2nd day of Tanabata
The opening announcement is made and once hte reading is over the assistant in the left claps the two wooden blocks  once,  making an unique one clap sound. This indicates the ceremony has started from now onwards.

The "Miko" of Sendai (Geisha)

 Sendai women parading 

 Sendai beauties - The left most corner is Ms Sendai 2010
The representatives from Sendai traditoinal families, artisans, artists go parading dancing to the song tune of  "Tanabata" . the original singer comes to the occasion ad perform lively for the paraders to parade while dancing. I ` m sorry that I don`t have any clear photos of the singer.

The "oni" evil spirits ` performance


my favourite "daiko" performance

The "susume" dance
Susume is a bird and this dance imitates the birds movements. These dancers paraded nearly five rounds and towards the end they were soaked in sweat and some could not even breath properly.But their beautiful smiles never disappeared. This event was the most impressive performance for me. they managed to keep us alive and convey the message of good spirit .

The brass bands of schools, universities, police and other departments performing.


The main characters of the event. 
The ruler Date Masamune performing an ancient tale.

The closing ceremony of the 2nd day of Tanabata

It was nice experience watching the Japanese culture. I was so proud and was moved to see the young generation protecting what they inherited. This ceremony is an opportunity to witness the culture, responsibilities, inheritance, arts and the spirit of Japanese people.
All Rights Reserved.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Thanks for stopping by..
Please feel free to leave your thoughts here..!!
Every word encourages me.. Thank you..

Popular posts from this blog

Tateyama Alpine Route - Murado Station

19/07/2010 Another dream coming true. I always wanted to go there.I was collecting leaflets, pamphlets about this but never thought of   going due to the high costs. Well, luck was upon me this one time. It was early morning of 5.45 and I was waiting for my sensei s vehicle in front of  Toyama Station. I did know the plans for the day but that we were going to Tateyama. Were we going to Kurobe Dam too, or going to Kurobe Dam?Were we going to take the Alpen Route or go straight to Kurobe? Surprises were waiting. We reached Tateyama Station and I knew it is my dream coming true. Weather and information of the day  It was around 14degrees at the top of the mountain while it was nearly 36degrees at the foot. We were simply above the clouds and the temperature difference was too much to bear. It was cold in the summer. Early in the morning when we passed the Murodo staion on our way to Kurobe dam it was clear all around. in the aftern...
6 comments
Read more

Gassho Dsukuri houses of Gokayama

An ancient house The firehouse The goods used to cook The ladder used to go upstairs The upstairs The goods used for cultivating and making rice balls Ancient goods used to make flour Ancient Toliet Tools used to cultivate In these gasshou made houses . the roof plays the main part. Its  so strong that it holds the thick layer of snow which falls every winter.  Even in the hottest summer , inside of the house is cool and very soothing, Houses are very ventilative and spacey. Tool used to make the roof The tools used to make the roof There are example houses to visit for 200yen and it will make you understand more about the ir culture. These villages have a proud history and a culture which are still alive. The young ones take their heritage to younger ones and so proud to see them. I would recommend you to visit their in a festival season so that their culture is also can be witnessed. All Rights R...
2 comments
Read more

Tanabata - Story behind the tale

Story1 Orihime is a princess who wove beautiful clothes by the bank of the Amanogawa which is  Milky Way in English . She worked very hard every day to weave clothes. However, Orihime was sad that because of her hard work she could never meet or fall in love with anyone. Concerned about his daughter,  the  father arranged for her to meet Hikoboshi who lived and worked on the other side of the Amanogawa. When the two met, they fell instantly in love with each other and married shortly thereafter. However, once married, Orihime no longer would weave cloth and Hikoboshi allowed his cows to stray all over Heaven. In anger,  the  father separated the two lovers across the Amanogawa and forbade them to meet. Orihime became despondent at the loss of her husband and asked her father to let them meet again. The father was moved by his daughter’s tears and allowed the two to meet on the 7th day of the 7th month if she worked hard and finished her weaving. T...
2 comments
Read more