[Kyoto Almanac] Twelve Months of Pastimes: May
The first five days of the fifth month are the days when the common people thatch their houses with irises. As for warding off the summer pestilence, today is especially significant with the Kamo horse racing and the Shinto rituals at Fukakusa. People line up, sleeves brushing against one another, and go forth in a clamor. Once the spectacle is over, the quiet of the evening is eerie.
It is foolish for children to play at mock battles, which they call 'inchi,' striking each other and wearing helmets that are no mark of merit, risking their lives in the process.
On this day, it often rains. It is said that since the time of the Yellow Emperor in China, when he defeated the enemy known as Chiyou, the tradition has been passed down to the present day of erecting banners and hanging helmets at every house to signify peace under heaven. Seeing people walking along with umbrellas, looking up at these banners soaked in the rain, is also quite charming.
Beginning with the story of Qu Yuan of Chu, it is said that today is celebrated with chimaki (rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves).
At the dawn when the rail bird taps on the wooden door,
Do people also reflect the irises on the eaves?
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Photo by mominaina
Author's Note: ● indicates characters that could not be deciphered. I will update this as I decipher new characters or notice typos and misreadings. For details, please read the "
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