Mikoshi Event!

A fantastic Tuesday to everyone!

Today we were welcomed into our classroom by a video playing a famous festival in Japan- The Omikoshi Festival! As we entered, some friends asked, “ What is this?” R was very excited to explain about the Omikoshi Festival.

W: Evita, look it’s funny! (pointing at the firefighter spraying water to the people at the festival)

R: A firefighter! They give water to the people? This is Omikoshi, right?

E I think they want water

We then continued working on our year-end gifts and played with playdough while chatting with our friends about what we see in the video.

W: Evita, look (pointing at a woman dancing)

M: Washoi, right?

After cleaning up, we immediately got ready for The Mikoshi Parade. Our teachers helped us put on our “happi” coats, sash, and hachimaki. Then they handed us our “uchiwa” and helped us practice saying “ Washoi! Washoi!” They reminded us to refrain from shouting this in front of the temple. In front of the temple, our moms and dads took pictures of Petals class. We are so happy to do this parade with them. 

J: No bell? *pointing to bells for the teachers

Y: *smiles after she puts on her happi and hachimaki

P: I can help you.

J: no headband?

Petals: Washoi!

R: I like S.

W: I like (R)

E: Where is mom?

M: Where is my mom and dad?

At the start of The Mikoshi Parade, we lined up behind Flowers Class and shouted “Washoi! Washoi!” When it was time to carry the Mikoshi, we held the pole with both hands and rested it on our shoulders.

Petals: Washoi! Washoi!

W: I want (to carry the Mikoshi)

Y: *nods when asked if she likes to carry the Mikoshi

S/R: Washoi! Washoi!

E: I’m thirsty, I want to drink

J: Where's mom?

After the parade, we gathered in a circle and danced to some of our favorite songs. Evita showed us a  special video from A. We felt so happy seeing the card that we made for them. We are glad they liked it. And before heading out to the park Petals shared what they liked about the Mikoshi Parade.

• A

R: Look, D is there!

Evita: Who is in the video?

R: Ohana

E:  Petals?

Petals: A!

Evita: What did they say?

R: ???

E: Thank you Ohana!

M: Look at the cards ( pointing to the card we made for A)

• Mikoshi

R: Mikoshi, Washoi!

Evita: Did you have fun?

Petals: Yes!

E: It’s not, it would be more fun if we do Mikoshi at the park

Evita: Why do you think people do the Mikoshi Parade?

R: It’s important

Nimo: Inside the Mikoshi, is the “Kami-sama” and the Mikoshi is like a little shrine that we parade around to share peace and harmony to others.

E: We give everyone love and fun

R: Kami-sama inside!

M: I had fun

Evita: Who enjoyed carrying the Mikoshi?

J: Me!

D/S: carry the Mikoshi

Evita: Who likes waving their uchiwa?

R: I like waving the uchiwa

J: * nods and says the uchiwa

P: I don’t like anything

M: I like walking.

It was so much fun participating in the Mikoshi parade! Have a nice Golden Week. See you all soon!

Love,

Petals