The Suzuka Yama float pays tribute to the goddess Suzuka Myōjin, protectress of Mt. Suzuka, a mountain peak that straddles Mie and Shiga prefectures. It was on the vital Tōkaidō road linking Edo and Kyoto; its steep paths were ideal for bandit raids, which over time turned into tales of a terrible demon. Legend has it that the goddess Suzuka vanquished the demon: a red-haired “scalp” at the base of the pine tree to the left of the sacred statue represents the demon’s head. The noh mask she wears indicates her status as a goddess, and she’s also clearly a warrioress – she’s dressed in men’s attire, wearing a sword at her waist and wielding a naginata or halberd. Trade via the Tōkaidō was vital for Kyoto commerce, so Suzuka Myōjin is revered for establishing safety for travelers and merchants.
Source: https://www.gionfestival.org/yamaboko-floats/ato-matsuri/suzuka-yama/
Comments
Post a Comment