Aki Matsuri (2) - Japan

Children and parents got together in the 
precincts of the village shrine.

The Shinto priest were
purifying the portable
shrine and people in 
"happi". Happi was originally
a workman's livery coat.
Today it is mostly worn 
during festivals. 
Can you see a character on
the back? It is "festival"
in Japanese.

Children led the portable
shrine. Leaders had a red 
big "uchiwa", Japanese fan.
 

Fathers held a portable shrine on their
shoulder, and visited each house in the
community to share happiness. It took about
three hours to visit every house!

Created by TORIGOE Yuko
Okayama, Japan
October 18, '99