By tradition Naginata Boko is the first float in the Gion Festival annual procession on July 17. Therefore it’s featured in every form of Japanese mass media, and is easily the best-known float nationwide. It’s instantly recognizable by the naginata halberd sword on the top of its shingi central pole.
Legendary swordsmith Sanjo Munechika crafted the original halberd sword in the 10th century. Legend holds that it possesses mystical and healing properties. Munechika and his magical swordmaking are the subject of the noh play Kokiji.
The chigo celestial child
Being chosen as Naginata float’s chigo is a great honor for a Kyoto family.
Though originally all the hoko floats had them, Naginata Boko is the only float that still has a ceremonial young chigo child riding at its front. Historically the chigo-san underwent rigorous month-long purification rituals before the festival. This made them better vehicles for the divine energies summoned during the festival.
Source: https://www.gionfestival.org/yamaboko-floats/saki-matsuri/naginata-boko/
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