長刀鉾(Naginata Hoko)

The Naginata Hoko float leads the procession of the Hoko and Yama floats. The order of the floats is decided by drawing lots; however the Naginata Hoko float is an exception and has been privileged to head the procession for some years. The name Naginata is derived from the great halberd crowning the float, made by Sanjo-Kokaji-Munechika, a master of sword smithing during the Heian period (794-1185).












Munechika dedicated the halberd to Yasaka Shrine, as an offering for the recovery of his daughter from disease; however, there was a warrior during the Kamakura period (1192-1334) who used the halberd often. It is said that while the halberd was in his possession, mysterious things occurred time and again, so the warrior eventually returned it to the shrine.











In 1522, when an epidemic prevailed in the city, the halberd was displayed in Naginata-hoko town as directed by an oracle, and miraculously, the epidemic died down. It is believed that this hoko was built in 1441. The length of the halberd pole, called a Shingi, is twenty meters. Today, this is the only hoko which carries the sacred child, Chigo, during the proceedings.
By T.S. on 27th Jun., 2008