 Last additions - Hachiman Matsuri 八幡まつり |
My Hachiman Matsuri video.Apr 16, 2011
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Smaller torches to be lit before the final, leaning torch.Apr 16, 2011
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Also, the next day on the 15th, they didn't bring out the usual taiko drums out of respect for the Tohoku quake/tsunami victims. Maybe I'll see it next year.Apr 16, 2011
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Leaning torch. Unfortunately, I had to catch the last train home so I didn't have time to see this torch burning. Maybe next time.Apr 16, 2011
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Leaning torch crown closeup.Apr 16, 2011
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But there was another torch to be set afire. This one was to be the climax. They would light this torch while it is still leaning sideways, then they gradually make it vertical as it burns.Apr 16, 2011
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It was already around 10 pm. Apr 16, 2011
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Watching this festival made me think how wonderful and miraculous this thing called fire is. We worship and need it, even though it can very destructive.Apr 16, 2011
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Hachiman Matsuri fire festival, Shiga Prefecture.Apr 16, 2011
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This is the second to the last torch to be burned. Apr 16, 2011
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After a while, the torch falls to the ground. Of course, with ropes, they control which direction it falls. I should've brought marshmellows.Apr 16, 2011
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Soon the entire torch burns.Apr 16, 2011
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They light it from the top.Apr 16, 2011
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Giant torch.Apr 16, 2011
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Now come near the shrine with more giant torches.Apr 16, 2011
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It's amazing that the small, flying embers don't start fires nearby.Apr 16, 2011
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Apr 16, 2011
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Fire monsterApr 16, 2011
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Fire monster rages hotly.Apr 16, 2011
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Another torch burns. One after another, they set the giant torches on fire.Apr 16, 2011
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Then the whole thing catches fire quickly. I'm not sure if they used any kerosene, but I didn't smell any.Apr 16, 2011
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They also light the mid-section of the torch.Apr 16, 2011
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Another giant torch is set on fire. They use long bamboo poles mounted with small torches to light the giant torch. They first light the crown of the giant torch.Apr 16, 2011
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Now we see a large torch on fire. I noticed the flying embers falling on Taneya, but no problem.Apr 16, 2011
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It seems that they gathered all the smaller torches (which they dragged around) here.Apr 16, 2011
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The torches leave a trail of fire.Apr 16, 2011
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Then they had smaller torches being dragged around by small groups of men and boys.Apr 16, 2011
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Some time after 8 pm, they finally lit the first torch.Apr 16, 2011
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At 8 pm, there's supposed to be fireworks, but due to the East Japan earthquake/tsunami, the fireworks were cancelled this year in 2011.Apr 16, 2011
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A few taiko processions arrive and marched around.Apr 16, 2011
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At around 7 pm, people with taiko drums start to arrive.Apr 16, 2011
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This is in front of Taneya. Apr 16, 2011
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Smaller torches.Apr 16, 2011
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Another tradition is to have children drag a miniature torch around a fire. In the old days, many children would be running around this fire.Apr 16, 2011
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Burning miniature torches at Himure Hachimangu Shrine.Apr 16, 2011
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In the afternoon of the 14th, people who made miniature torches can come to Himure Hachimangu Shrine and burn them.Apr 16, 2011
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All this to pray for an abundant harvest.Apr 16, 2011
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Two tall ones in front of Himure Hachimangu Shrine.Apr 16, 2011
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Torches near Himure Hachimangu Shrine's Romon Gate. This is also one location where the film Idai Naru, Shurararabon (偉大なる、しゅららぼん The Great Shu Ra Ra Boom) was filmed. The ceremony for baby Ryosuke.Apr 16, 2011
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More torches in front of Himure Hachimangu Shrine. This is also where they hold the Sagicho Matsuri in March. MAPApr 16, 2011
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The torches are propped up with bamboo poles and ropes.Apr 16, 2011
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Keep away from the stone lanterns.Apr 16, 2011
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These green torch will also burn. There are two of these green ones, one is male and other is female.Apr 16, 2011
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Very artistic and aesthetic.Apr 16, 2011
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There are torches for the villages which partake in this festival. This is in front of Taneya, a local confection shop.Apr 16, 2011
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A long bamboo pole stiffens the torches which really look like sculpture. The festival is held on April 14-15. On the 14th, they burn these giant torches one by one from 8 pm.Apr 16, 2011
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Torch top look similar, but they are different. Apr 16, 2011
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Hachiman Matsuri in Omi-Hachiman is Shiga Prefecture's biggest fire festival. Impressive even without the fire. Just look at these giant torches made of rice straw. There are more in front of Himure Hachimangu Shrine.Apr 16, 2011
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The giant torches can be as high as 10 meters. They are made on the Sunday before April 14-15 when the festival is held. So these torches have been here since Sunday. In front of Taneya.Apr 16, 2011
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