願いの山鉾、森をめぐる

リスのリッキー、ウサギのウーちゃん、クマのクーちゃんは、疫病退散と無病息災を願います。

リッキーの「どんぐり運び山」まるで大きなどんぐりが森をころがるような形。丸みのある木の実の屋根に、緑・茶・オレンジの織物がふわふわ風に揺れ、てっぺんの黄金のどんぐりがキラリ。ちょこんと顔を出すリスの彫刻たちが木の実を運び、まるで今にも動き出しそう。「蓄えって、希望です」

ウーちゃんの「月夜の餅つき鉾」紺と紫のグラデーションが夜空を表し、三日月の鉾頭が銀色にきらめく。餅つきをするウサギの木像が静かに佇み、星形や餅形の小提灯がゆらゆら灯る。欄縁には月光を織り込んだような銀糸の織物がかかり、深く幻想的。「跳ねるって、願いのジャンプなんです」

クーちゃんの「森の恵み山」大木を模した柱がどっしりとそびえ、緑と赤茶の織物が重厚にかかる。蜂蜜の壺がぶら下がり、ヒマワリの旗がパタリと揺れ、クマの守り神が雄々しく見守る。車輪代わりのパンの模様の彫刻が木製の地面をしっかりと踏みしめます。「守るって、おいしくて大きいこと」

今日7月17日は、祇園祭の山鉾巡行。色と音と願いで満たされて、笑いと拍手が舞いあがった。



Wishes on Parade, Traveling Through the Forest


Ricky the squirrel, U-chan the rabbit, and Kuu-chan the bear all make special wishes—for good health and safety from sickness.

Ricky’s float is called “Nut-Cart Mountain.” It looks like a big acorn rolling through the forest! The roof is round like a forest nut, covered in green, brown, and orange cloth that flutters in the wind. At the very top, a golden acorn sparkles. Tiny squirrel carvings peek out and carry nuts—ready to move at any moment! “Storing food is really storing hope,” Ricky says.

U-chan’s float is called “Moonlit Rice-Cake Parade.” It shines in dark blue and purple like the night sky. At the top is a silver moon, and beneath it stands a rabbit carving quietly making mochi. Little lanterns shaped like stars and rice cakes swing gently. Silver threads weave moonlight into the cloth, making it sparkle like magic. “Jumping is a wish flying through the sky,” whispers U-chan.

Kuu-chan’s float is called “Mountain of Forest Gifts.” It has a tall pillar shaped like a strong tree, with heavy green and reddish cloth hanging down. Honey jars dangle, sunflowers wave like flags, and a mighty bear statue watches over everything. Wheels carved with bread patterns roll along the forest floor. “Protecting means being sweet, strong, and full of care,” says Kuu-chan, gently stomping forward.

It’s July 17th, the day of the Gion Festival float parade. The forest floats line up too—filling the air with colors, sounds, and wishes. Laughter and clapping rise on the wind through the leaves.


Today's Key Word: protect
Protect（守る / まもる）: To keep something or someone safe from harm or danger.

Example: "Kuu-chan wants to protect the forest and his friends."
例文: 「クーちゃんは森と友だちを守りたいと思っています。」