Mikoshi

A mikoshi is a sacred palanquin used in Shinto traditions, believed to transport a deity between the main and temporary shrines during festivals or shrine relocations in Japan. Picture a miniature, elaborately decorated structure, often adorned with intricate designs and sometimes featuring a phoenix carving on the roof. This is what a mikoshi typically resembles.

During festivals, people carry the mikoshi on their shoulders using poles, parading it through the shrine's neighborhood. Occasionally, they even immerse it in water as a form of purification. The bearers often perform lively movements, almost like a dance, to entertain the deity believed to reside inside.

The term "omikoshi" is used in Japanese, with "o" serving as an honorific prefix. Mikoshi come in various shapes, including rectangles, hexagons, and octagons, each boasting its unique design.

There are several methods to carry a mikoshi, each with its own set of chants, movements, and traditions. These include:

- Hira-katsugi (flat carry)

- Edomae style

- Dokkoi

- Odawara style

- United style

The choice of method often depends on the region and the specific customs of the festival. Each style brings its unique flair to the celebration, making the experience distinctive and deeply rooted in local traditions.