austraLasia
1468
Salesio matsuri in
Hamamatsu
From our Tokyo
correspondent
NAGOYA: 28th February 2006 --
Matsuri is a magical word in Japan. It is used for feasts tied to
Japanese tradition (from the verb matsuru meaning to honour, venerate,
hold a feast in honour of). Usually matsuri has strong local connotations
when, for example celebrated in honour of a local kami (god), or as an
annual feast of a shrine. Often the high point of matsuri involves a
procession where a float representing the temporary home of the
kami is accompanied by flutes and drums. This brief
explanation of Japanese culture is necessary for understanding what
comes...
In Hamamatsu last Sunday, not far
from Nagoya where Fr Hiha worked for 13 years and Fr Angel
Yamanouchi since last year, more than 1500 people gathered in a
spirit of camaraderie in Don Bosco's name. The main participant groups were
Brasilians and Peruvians. There were many Japanese, obviously, as well as
Filipinos, Vietnamese, Chinese, Bolivians and many other nationalities
working in nearby industries with well-known names like Yamaha (of musical
instrument fame), Honda, Suzuki, Toyota.
The
celebration began with Mass in four languages with plenty of participation
encouraged by Fr Angel. Brasilian volunteers saw to well-stocked stalls with
food for lunch afterwards, at a reasonable price as is the custom in Japan for
these occasions; games for the kids, singing, various youth groups performing
and then the crowning moment - the famed Caritas Sisters of Miyazaki Choir all
the way from Tokyo, a good four hours drive away. There was Bingo to fill
in the dull moments and keep everyone busy till late afternoon. The
proceeds of the day were on behalf of the young, especially those who come to
the Hamamatsu Salesian Centre. The kami carried in procession at the end
of the feast, to the sound of drums and the sight of ballerinas, was one all
Salesians would recognise - none other than Don
Bosco!
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