Jidai Matsuri (時代祭, "Festival of the Ages") is a traditional Japanese festival (also called matsuri) that takes place every year on October 22 in Kyoto,
Jidai Matsuri, the festival of the ages
It is one of Kyoto's three major renowned festivals, the other two being Aoi Matsuri, which takes place every year on May 15, and Gion Matsuri, which takes place every year from July 17 to 24. It is a festival enjoyed by people of all ages. , participating in its historical re-enactment parade dressed in authentic costumes representing various eras and characters from feudal history Japanese.
Jidai Matsuri has its roots in the relocation of the Japanese capital from Kyoto to Tokyo during the Meiji Restoration in 1868. This involved the relocation of the Emperor of Japan and the Imperial Family, the Imperial Palace, and thousands of government officials and subjects to the new city. Fearing for the loss of Kyoto's glory and the interests of its people, and to commemorate its history, the Kyoto city government and prefectural government commemorated the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Heian-kyō (平安京), which was the former name of Kyoto, in 794 by Emperor Kanmu (桓武天皇, Kanmu-tennō) (737–806).
To usher in the first Jidai celebration in 1895, the city government built the Heian Shrine (平安神宮, Heian jingū) to enshrine the spirit of Emperor Kanmu. To give meaning to the festival, he organized a costumed procession representing people from every era of Kyoto's history.
In 1940, the local government decided that in addition to honoring Emperor Kanmu, the Jidai Festival should also be held in honor of Emperor Kōmei (孝明天皇, Kōmei-tennō) (July 22, 1831 – January 30, 1867) for his work in unifying the country, strengthening the power of the imperial court, and establishing Kyoto as the center of Japan during the decline of the Tokugawa shogunate and the end of the Edo period.
Jidai Matsuri begins early in the morning with mikoshi (portable shrines) brought out from the Imperial Palace in Kyoto so people can pay their respects. The mikoshi represents both Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Kōmei. The five-hour, two-kilometer costumed procession begins in the afternoon, with around 2,000 performers dressed as samurai, military personnel and ordinary people, from the early era to the Meiji era.
Then come the women japanese dressed in elaborate jūnihitoe (十二単衣, juunihitoe). Finally, the mikoshi are transported from the palace and are accompanied by a costumed military band playing the gagaku. The procession ends at the Heian Shrine.
Social networks
Today, the Japanese of Kyoto celebrate Jidai Matsuri, the festival of the ages. Locals participate in a pageant parade dressed in authentic costumes depicting various periods and characters from Japanese feudal history. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #October 22 #jidai #Japan #kyoto #jidaimatsuri
Picture
