In the Philippines, November 1 and 2 are public holidays. We usually take this chance to go and visit the cemeteries, and pray for the departed. Of course, we also look forward in meeting our relatives during these days. It was always a sort of mini-reunion. When we were kids, I and my cousins would collect the molten candles and shape them into balls while our parents prepared some sticky rice and other traditional Filipino food. We would end the night with ghost stories and spirit games.
Underworld
the moon is half full
call the spirit of the glass
we are not alone
the candles murmur
sticky rice on the altar, gone
we are not alone
footsteps on the stairs
shadows from the underworld
we are not alone
the pendulum swings
midnight, parents scream; indeed
we are not alone
/totomai
Though Japanese honor the departed in August, they still celebrate the Halloween. And they do it in style. There are lots of Halloween parades and parties all throughout Japan and one of the most popular ones is the Kawaski Halloween Parade. You can see a lot of creatures from the underworld, more than what you could ever imagine.
I have been coming here since 2008, and I think I only missed the event once, in 2012. It is a good way to practice shooting portraits that is why I kept on inviting photo enthusiasts to come to the Kawasaki Halloween Parade. It was particularly cold last Sunday though. For a while, I thought Japan is planning to skip autumn this year. But the chilly weather did not stop us from clicking our cameras.
And these creatures are also up-to-date with the latest trend and technology. Perhaps they are even playing PokemonGo too. They know how to take selfies too.
I have taken lots of photos and I would like to share them to everyone. Consider it as my way of inviting you to visit Kawasaki Halloween Parade next year.
I think it is time to have my own costume next year. Any suggestion?
PS
Allow me to recommend a film from Hirokazu Koreeda - After Life.
"What is the one memory you would take with you?"
PS
Allow me to recommend a film from Hirokazu Koreeda - After Life.
"What is the one memory you would take with you?"
/totomai
2016/11/02
Photos taken with Nikon D7000
lenses used :
Nikkor 18-300 mm
Nikkor 105 mm
Lovely little verses, the repetition has a great effect.
ReplyDeleteA reminder that we are indeed not alone. Thanks Thot!
DeleteWOW! We are not alone! I love the sense of mystery in the 4 haiku with repetition like the toll of a very haunting bell. I scare easily. But then, I can take myself to the parade and truly be in crowds, safely in the realm of art. Great photographs! A feast!
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan, tonight I won't turn off the lights haha
DeleteMy goodness, this is deliciously dark and brooding.. the phrase "we are not alone" emphasizes upon the reality and reminds us to honor those who have passed.❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks Sanaa, they are there no matter what
Deleteoops! i think my comment got eaten up!
ReplyDeleteoh wow! loved your photography, such striking colors! the Japanese are so good at cosplaying! loved the haiku too, there's a touch of mystery to them. :)
Yes, they really took time to do well in events like this. Thanks dsnake!
DeleteYour haiku sequence is stirring; and your photo share astounding. Thank you for dropping by to read mine today
ReplyDeletemuch love...
My pleasure to read yours Gillena
DeleteI love your photos and the description of your traditional festivities. But I love most your wonderful poem. No, we are not alone.
ReplyDeleteAlways with someone, Sherry.
DeleteAlthough scary being not alone it is also comforting in its way! As always your photos are superb.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robin!
DeleteI love your poem with it's eerie repetition that creates the appropriate mood. Thank you for all the spectacular portraits. Wish I could go there sometime. It looks positively exciting.
ReplyDeleteI never thought that Japanese celebrate Halloween with extravaganza.
DeleteLoved your poem and your site with the great images.
ReplyDeleteThanks BM!
DeleteThese photos are absolutely spectacular worthy of an exhibition. Poem was good too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rall, appreciate your kind words
Deletebeautiful lines and lens..love the refrain...
ReplyDeleteArigatou Sumana
DeleteWe are not alone. That echo's in my head I don't think we are Great take on the prompt I never knew that halloween was celebrated in japan. Cool photos
ReplyDeleteSame here, Marja. But I am becoming a regular spectator now.
DeleteThat's such a great collection of photos. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks too MMT
DeleteIndeed we are not alone... In some of my darkest moments, thoughts of my beloved dead grandfather and some of the wonderful things he told me, some of the ways he taught me to live life by are with me and I can almost feel his loving protecting hand on my shoulder - I am not alone. Good poem!
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks for sharing Nicholas
Delete