Kasa Burning Event
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
I've missed this one twice in the last couple years, so I'm hoping to be able to watch it this time, on Aug. 5th, from 5:30 PM. It's going to be on a Saturday, but it's close enough to Obon Yasumi (Aug. 13-18th) that some of my students may cancel to go on family trips from the 5th, giving me time to get over to the Kotsuki river for it. We'll see.
Anyway, this is "Kasa Yaki," or "umbrella burning." Paper umbrellas pick up bad luck during the year, and according to the Shinto religion, it's important to burn them in a ritual ceremony. No idea if anyone tries to sneak in one of the cheap $5 plastic umbrellas, too...