A Festival as An Event to Strengthen Bonds

The other day, I participated in the "Kaeru Tobi" event at Kinpusen-ji Temple in Yoshinoyama. In this festival, a float carrying a person dressed in a frog costume parades around Yoshinoyama, culminating in a reenactment at Kinpusen-ji Temple's Zao-do Hall where the frog turns back into a human. (Strictly speaking, the festival concludes at 3 AM that night by taking a lotus flower somewhere.)
While participating, I thought it was similar to the Futon Taiko event in my hometown, Hirakata. Around noon, we carried the portable shrine from Kinpusen-ji Temple, climbed up to Yoshimizu Shrine, down to Yoshinoyama Station on the ropeway, and then returned to Kinpusen-ji Temple. It was a tiring festival. Since I joined at the last minute, I forgot to bring a towel to put on my shoulder, and I ended up hurting my right shoulder badly. However, festivals are always fun. I love the lively atmosphere, which feels very much like a club.
I think local, small-scale festivals are participatory. Bon Odori, portable shrines—neighbors come together and collectively create the festival. This, for better or worse, leads to a sense of community in rural areas. Especially with this portable shrine event, it was a painful and exhausting activity. Completing such a heavy task together provides a sense of accomplishment and joy. And it likely strengthens the unity even more.

Bye!