Shijo-kasa-hoko 四条傘鉾
This float features a parasol framed with dyed fabric decorations, and is accompanied by young stick-twirlers and musicians during the Gion festival procession. In addition, this float is a unique for having originated before the Onin Wars (1467-1477), and is believed to be a prototype of the other Gion festival floats.
Though repeatedly burned down and rebuilt, the main body of this float was restored in 1985through the efforts of the local people. The troupe of indispensable dancers and musicians who perform along with this float was also revived, and the float resumed participation in the parade as the 32nd float in 1987 (currently the newest float in use), after a long absence of 117 years.
The dance and music that is performed by the present-day performers who accompany the Shijo-kasa-hoko is based on the “Furyu-odori” dance (literally “Gracious, tasteful dancing”) originated in Kyoto and spread across Japan in the 15th and 16th centuries. The “Kenketo-odori” dance of neighboring Shiga prefecture, which is designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, was also used as reference for the revival of the performance.
hihi! DaDa 