Wasshoi (わっしょい)

Aug 4, 2019 12:12
Wasshoi

Summer has come, and festivals began to be held in various places.

In summer festivals in Japan, portable shrines called 'mikosi' (神輿) are often carried by dozens of people as a part of the events.

Since 'mikoshi' is heavy, people have to call out to adjust the timing of putting muscle.

The most common phrase when carrying 'mikoshi' is 'wasshoi' (わっしょい).

There are several theories about the etymology of 'wasshoi'.

One of the most acceptable theories says that 'wa' (わ) and 'shoi' (しょい) comes from 'heiwa' (平和 - "peace") and 'seou' (背負う - "to carry something piggyback").
わっしょい

本格的な夏が到来し、各地で祭りが催され始めました。

日本の夏祭りでは、数人~数十人で神輿を担いで街を渡御する行事がよく行われます。

神輿は重たいので、声を掛け合い息を合わせて運ばなければいけません。

このときの掛け声として最も一般的なものは、「わっしょい」です。

「わっしょい」の語源には幾つかの説があります。

一つの有力な説は、「わ」は「平和」、「しょい」は「背負う/背負え」から来ているというものです。
No. 1 outdoors
  • Summer has come, and festivals began to be held in various places.
  • Summer has come, and festivals are starting to be held in various places.
  • In summer festivals in Japan, portable shrines called 'mikosi' (神輿) are often carried by dozens of people as a part of the events.
  • In summer festivals in Japan, portable shrines called 'mikoshi' (神輿) are often carried by dozens of people as a part of the events.
  • Since 'mikoshi' is heavy, people have to call out to adjust the timing of putting muscle.
  • Since 'mikoshi' are heavy, people have to call out to adjust the timing of their effort putting muscle.
  • The most common phrase when carrying 'mikoshi' is 'wasshoi' (わっしょい).
  • This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!
  • There are several theories about the etymology of 'wasshoi'.
  • This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!
  • One of the most acceptable theories says that 'wa' (わ) and 'shoi' (しょい) comes from 'heiwa' (平和 - "peace") and 'seou' (背負う - "to carry something piggyback").
  • One of the most accepted theories says that 'wa' (わ) and 'shoi' (しょい) comes from 'heiwa' (平和 - "peace") and 'seou' (背負う - "to carry something piggyback").
Toru
Thank you for the correction! :)
No. 2 David
  • Summer has come, and festivals began to be held in various places.
  • Summer has come, and festivals are beginning to be held in various places.

    began --> are beginning

    Summer arrived and festivals began to be...

  • In summer festivals in Japan, portable shrines called 'mikosi' (神輿) are often carried by dozens of people as a part of the events.
  • In(During) summer festivals in Japan, portable shrines called 'mikosi' (神輿) are often carried by dozens of people as a part of the events.

    In(During) "In" is perfectly fine. You might consider "during."

    As part of the summer festivals in Japan portable shrines, 'mikosi' (神輿), are often carried by dozens of people.

  • One of the most acceptable theories says that 'wa' (わ) and 'shoi' (しょい) comes from 'heiwa' (平和 - "peace") and 'seou' (背負う - "to carry something piggyback").
  • One of the most acceptable theories says that 'wa' (わ) and 'shoi' (しょい) comes from 'heiwa' (平和 - "peace") and 'seou' (背負う - "to carry something piggyback").

    Google translate returns: One powerful theory

    Using "accepted" in a sentence like this is not unexpected, "acceptable" is. Are there unacceptable theories? Google's "powerful" has the same type of feeling powerful vs weak. "Acceptable" does not have that feeling.

    Which did you mean? Also, did you see me message?

Toru
Thank you for the correction!
That is an interesting question.
The literal meaning of 有力 is indeed "powerful," but when it is used with 理論 (theory), the meaning changes a little. In fact, my dictionary said that 有力な理論 means "the widely accepted theory" or "the most popular/probable/believed theory."
There are other theories, but they are not popular.

> Which did you mean? Also, did you see me message?
Sorry, I will reply to your message later.