The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

JAPANESE FESTIVAL--RENDAI-WATASHI

RENDAI-WATASHI (CARRYING A RENDAI ACROSS THE RIVER OHI)
IN FEUDAL TIMES THERE WAS NEITHER BRIDGE NOR FERRY BE-
TWEEN SHIMADA ON THE EASTERN BANK OF THE RIVER AND THE
OPPOSITE TOWN. TRAVELERS HAD TO FORD THE STREAM OR BE
CARRIED EITHER ON THE SHOULDERS OF WATERMAN OR IN A SORT
OF SEDAN CHAIR CALLED RENDAI, WHICH WAS CARRIED ON THEIR
SHOULDERS. IN MEMORY OF THE EVENT, SUCH A SCENE IS
REVIVED ANNUALLY IN EARLY SUMMER.

Date learned: 00-00-1964