There is an unique festival called “Pantou”
in Miyako Island.
In Shimajiri district, the festival is held
in early September of the old lunar calendar
but its formal dates are not announced
until just before the festival.
In the festival, three masked “gods” appear
and visit each house.
What is shocking about it is that the
“gods” are entirely covered in mud and
they daub the mud to anybody.
They show a policeman and tourists no
mercy.
What’s worse, the mud has strong smell.
There is no wonder, the mud has cultured in
its very own bog,
and the smell is poignant, so even if you
wash the clothes,
the smell does not wash off.
My guess is that the mud is like compost.
Still it seems like the gods drive away
evil spirits
so the people of the district are looking
forward to appearing the gods
around the time of the festival.
Also, this festival “Pantou” was designated
an important intangible cultural heritage in 1993.
By the way, this year’s “Pantou” was held
the other day on October 6th and 7th,
without any
trouble.
I heard that the screams of children echoed
throughout the district again this year. (H.S)
If you have enough courage to join the festival, why don’t you visit it?
Bring a change of clothes! （H.S)
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