The Biggest Drum in the World
Comments: 2
The big drum got wheeled out again today for the shrine’s autumn festival. A group of kids from my daughter’s primary school carried a mikoshi (portable shrine) behind it. The dads (including me) were called upon to do more of the lifting as the kids got tired and then 8 of us had to carry it back to the shrine. I am absolutely exhausted. Even the small mikoshi is surprisingly heavy, and we did a long circuit around the neighbourhood, stopping traffic on Kampachi (a major highway) while we looped around back into the quieter streets.
Great to see the next generation — these little kids, strong as oxen — learning the customs.
“The Big Drum,” as it’s affectionately called (there’s a Small Drum which is only half as big) was made in 1990 and is carved from a single piece of wood. The shot above shows it being wheeled out of the shrine.
These two old fellows have the best job: they get to stand on the drum all afternoon. It must take days for the soles of their feet to stop tingling, though. The sound comes over you like a shockwave.
During rest breaks anyone can beat the drum. The priest lowers his lantern in front of the skin to let the drummer know their turn is done.
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Posted to Photographs • 2003.10.05 (Sun) • 22:07
Comments
Posted by Timen 2003.10.06, 04:14
That’s amazing and awesome. What a culture. I can’t wait to visit someday.
Posted by M Sinclair Stevens 2006.02.07, 05:30
It is indeed wonderful to know that some traditions do continue, especially the smaller more neighborly ones. I’m glad that you participate and then share them with, giving us the opportunity to participate virtually.
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