Five Annual Ceremonies
Code: WAKAMIYA06
Artist: Takashi WAKAMIYA
Materials: Natural lacquer, wood, gold powder, inlays of shell
Size:
H23mm x φ 80mm
H22mm x φ 74mm
H21mm x φ 68mm
H19mm x φ 62mm
H18mm x φ 55mm
Year: 2019
(Original box signed by the artist)
Largely forgotten in contemporary times, “Gosekku” is also known as “Sekku” which refers to the five annual ceremonies occurring in January, March, May, July and September of the lunar calendar
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Jinjitsu — The Seventh of the day of the Lunar NewDuring this joyous festive week, people spend time with family members and friends to celebrate their blessings. In tradition, they enjoy playing Japanese hand ball. People also eat a porridge made of rice mixed with seven kinds of herbs. This light meal helps to refresh the stomach after inevitable overeating.
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Hina-matsuri — the Third of Third Lunar Month
Also known as Girls’ Day or Doll’s Day, parents will display charming dolls to symbolize the family's wish for their daughter’s good health, fortune and happiness. It is also called the Peach Festival or Momo-no-Sekku, as March is the season when peach flowers are in bloom.___
Tango — the Fifth of the Fifth Lunar Month
Also known as Children’s Day, there is a custom of displaying Japanese warrior’s helmet and sword. In the old days, the death rate of children was very high. It was rather rare in those times that children grew into healthy adults. Parents wish to protect their boys against the devils.___
Tanabata — the Seventh of the Seventh Lunar MonthDouble Seventh Night is known as Tanabata in Japanese, which is the Seventh of the Seventh Lunar Month.One popular Tanabata custom is to write one's wishes on strips of coloured paper, and hang them on specially erected bamboo trees, in the hope that the wishes become true. According to a Chinese legend, the two mythical lovers on the moon, the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, which are usually separated from each other by the milky way, are able to meet on this day. So it is regarded as the Lover’s Day by the Chinese.
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Chouyo — the Nineth of the Ninth Lunar Month
On this day, people drink sake laced with petals of chrythanthemum to ensure longevility and ward off evil spirits.