@camelliakyoto@mastodon.social
2026-07-01 01:11 UTC
Originally the Saki Matsuri (先祭り 'Opening Festival') welcomed the gods of Yasaka-jinja (八坂神社) to the city and the Ato Matsuri (後祭り 'Closing Festival') bid them farewell.
Born out of prayers to end a plague in 869, the festival has been an annual event since 970.
#Kyoto
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@camelliakyoto@mastodon.social 2026-07-01 01:25
Gion Matsuri, known originally as 'Gion Goryō-e' (祇園御霊会), takes its name from Gion-sha (祇園社), the old name for Yasaka-jinja (八坂神社). From early in the capital's history the area was home to the plague god 'Gozu Tennō' (牛頭天王 - in Shintō known as 'Susanoo' 須佐之男).