− | #::The most famous and prominent of the floats, always holding the place of honor leading the procession. Features a [[naginata]] (halberd) atop its spear. The naginata is believed to help ward off disease and evil spirits. The blade originally featured on the float was forged roughly one thousand years ago by Sanjô Kokaji Munechika. Today, a bamboo blade wrapped in foil is used so that the original blade can be preserved. The Naginata-hoko carries the ''chigo'', or sacred child, of the parade, and is decorated with tapestries from Persia, China, Mongolia, and Korea. | + | #::The most famous and prominent of the floats, always holding the place of honor leading the procession. Features a [[naginata]] (halberd) atop its spear. The naginata is believed to help ward off disease and evil spirits. The blade originally featured on the float was forged roughly one thousand years ago by [[Sanjo Munechika|Sanjô Kokaji Munechika]]. Today, a bamboo blade wrapped in foil is used so that the original blade can be preserved. The Naginata-hoko carries the ''chigo'', or sacred child, of the parade, and is decorated with tapestries from Persia, China, Mongolia, and Korea. |