Japanese Fair

Fair in Japan
Fair refers to the gathering, ritual, entertainment, shopping and other activities near to the temple, which is also a traditional Chinese cultural festival customs. Modern fair mainly held during the Spring Festival.
In addition, this activity is a reflection of people's psychological and habits. This name can be learned from the temple customs and religious activities are closely related. It was developed with the folk beliefs and then be improved and popularised. Its origins can be traced back to ancient social ritual activities.
However, the form of the fair has changed and combined with local culture over time in different countries. In Japan, it was the same Chinese Lunar New Year festivals originally, and the vendors in the fair is called 'Gyōshōnin'. In Japan's Meiji Restoration, the Lunar is abandoned and changed into Gregorian calendar. Nevertheless, the date is changed, Japanese are still in accordance with the traditional way to celebrate the traditional festival.
Now a days, there are variety of fairs during every holidays and the forms is different with Chinese traditional festivals. There are three large fair in Kyoto temple ('Aoi matsuri', 'Gionmatsuri', and 'Taimuzu· fesutibaru'). These three fairs are more ceremonious and the scale is much larger. There are cruises, horseback riding, dance and other performances with people in the old costume besides the normal entertainment. 

By Tina