放下鉾(Hohka Hoko)

This name comes from the Hohge priest's image enshrined on the deity platform at the middle of the Shingi pole.

The Hohge priest was a priest who did juggling performances on the street while preaching the faith to the people. On top of the pole are symbols of three lights; the sun, the moon and the stars, shining on the world below. The shape resembles the Suhama family crest; therefore it is also called the Suhama Hoko. Like the Naginata Hoko, this hoko once carried a sacred child, but a sacred doll has replaced this since 1929. The doll, which His Imperial Highness Prince Taka of Kuni named Sanko-maru (sanko meaning 'three lights'), can be manipulated to dance on the float in the same way as the sacred child does during the procession.
By T.S. on 5th Jul., 2008