This is one of my favorite places “Amanogawa” (天野川) that name means “Milky Way River” in English.
This river is the place remembered in connection with the “Tanabata” (七夕) that is famous tale of Japan.Have you heard of the Japanese Tanabata festival? The festival is usually held on July 7, and celebrates the meeting of two stars, Orihime (Vega of the constellation Lyra) and Hikoboshi (Altair of the constellation Aquila). The story behind Tanabata is quite romantic. Once upon a time in the universe, the stars Orihime and Hikoboshi met and fell in love with each other. However after the marriage, Orihime would no longer weave cloth and Hikoboshi would no longer herd cows. The god of the universe became mad, and separated the two by laying the huge Milky Way River between them. Ever since then, Orihime and Hikoboshi are allowed to see each other only once a year on Tanabata, the night of July 7. So this river, “Amanogawa” is known as “Milky Way River” of Tanabata’s tale.
And also, In the spring, we can see a lot of cherry blossoms in this river’s dry riverbed and many people gather to enjoy a picnic under the cherry blossoms(お花見) every spring. If you have chance, please come to experience お花見 with your friends!
This is “Kudaraou Shrine” (百済王神社) which is one of famous place in Hirakata City. When I moved in Hirakata, I went to pray to my new life in Hirakata in this shrine.
Do you know how to pay homage at a shrine? This is how we worship. At first, Please stand before the altar ,bow once, and ring a bell. Next, throw small change in the offering box and take deep bows twice. Put your hands together and pray and bow again before you leave.You can go there about 15 minutes on foot from Kansai Gaidai, so if you have a free time why don’t you go visit there?
You provide information about two interesting landmarks in your neighborhood. I would like to know more about the connection between Amanogawa and Tanabata, as well as more information about the shrine.
ReplyDeleteI don't see many people in your photos. When I think of neighborhoods I think of the people that live there, various shops and markets and how they all interact. How do you interact with your neighbors?