Matsuri is a Japanese word for festival or holiday. The festivals in Japan over the summer period are considered fun, extravagant and very unique. Every single celebration is an accolade to a deity or a famous past event.

Tenjin Matsuri

It is in honor of sugawara michizane and only lasts two days from July 24^th . It involves a prayer at the Osaka’s Tenmagu shrine [in Osaka] and land river processions. The prayer is the start which invites the deity out of the temple and is closed by a wonderful display of fireworks.

Gion Matsuri.

The festival dates back to 869. The Japanese ancestors did it as a purification ritual to appease the gods after the people suffered from a plague. It takes place in Kyoto in the month of July. Though many ceremonies take place, the yamaboko junko is the grandest because of the famous decorated floats.

Mitama Matsuri.

This festival is celebrated in honor of the fallen of the Second World War. It puts 30000 lanterns on display for the period of 4 days and is held in yasukuni shrine in chiyoda ward.

Aomori nebuta Matsuri.

They are festivals held in Aomori prefecture where the floats are wheeled through the streets in the evening for the parade. PickWriters discovered that each float is accompanied by a group of drummers, flute and cymbal players as well as dancers. The last day the festival is held in the afternoon where two hours of fireworks along the waterfronts close off the ceremony.

Awa odori Matsuri

The Japanese greatly value family bonds, which have this festival celebrating the spirits of their departed loved ones by welcoming them back. It takes place during August from 12-15. They are believed to visit the household altars. Each evening, drummers and dancers are seen wearing traditional yukata kimonos.

Kanamara Matsuri.

The purpose of this festival is to raise money and awareness on HIV and AIDS, therefore it is considered the most infamous. The decorations are often modeled in’’ symbols of fertility.’’

The festivals are just a few among the many colorful and over the top celebrations held in Japan. They may spark your interest in learning Japanese for the sake of visiting the country. PickWriters will greatly aid your learning as you can rely on them for your translation needs. Each region, shrine and participants are unique in their own way, but the most common factor is their love for their culture. You will appreciate the Japanese culture even more when you get to attend one of the festivals.