Festivals in the World
Japan: Gion Festival ‡A
Barden Smedberg, Jr. (U.S.A.) (Business School, 2nd Year)
When returning home, from a foreign country, a sense of success should exist if we grew intellectually while having simultaneously represented our country in a positive manner. The week of July 12, 2010 provided me new knowledge with concerns to Japan's history, traditions, business practices and language.
On Monday, July 12 I first experienced Gion Matsuri while watching colleagues volunteer at one of the 32 Hoko's (Shrine) that would eventually be paraded through the roads on the final day of Gion Matsuri.
On Thursday, July 15 I had the opportunity to learn while volunteering at Gion Matsuri's Minami Kanon Yamaboko (name of a Hoko). Music, craftsmanship and relationships were evident every direction I turned.
On Saturday, July 17th I learned it is hard work to help pull a 12 ton shrine on wheels (Hoko)!
If my time in Japan were to conclude tomorrow, the sole experience of participating in Gion Matsuri, would provide me with the sense of a successful trip.
The great people of Japan extended a hand of friendship, via their invitation to participate in Gion Matsuri. I certainly hope I provided a few laughs and a helping hand signifying the honor I had to participate.(Truly, great thanks).
