#07 Do Kyotoites avoid eating this? The surprising summer vegetable! (During Gion Matsuri, various theories exist)
This is a podcast where Nils, a poster girl running a ryokan in Kyoto, delivers casual insights into the hidden side and secret spots of Kyoto that you won't find in guidebooks. In this episode, we dive into a somewhat mysterious topic related to Kyoto's summer tradition, the Gion Matsuri.
There is a vegetable that should be avoided during Gion Matsuri.
Actually, it is said that there is a custom in Kyoto of refraining from eating a certain vegetable during the Gion Matsuri season. Host Nils explores this surprising "taboo" after being inspired by a T-shirt she spotted at a supermarket. Rumor has it that the cross-section of this vegetable resembles the crest of Yasaka Shrine, which is famous for the Gion Matsuri.
The reason behind the legend is quite chilling.
Since the festival period is a sacred time to pray for the end of epidemics, there is a tradition that eating something resembling the god's crest is considered bad luck. While there are various theories behind this, it certainly captures the solemn atmosphere unique to the ancient capital of Kyoto. You will surely understand why cucumber, a staple summer vegetable, is treated this way once you hear the reason.
The deep world of Gion Matsuri continues to expand.
When people think of Gion Matsuri, they often associate it with conger eel (hamo), but this episode is packed with fascinating topics, such as precautions unique to this period and stories that even locals might not know. For some trivia to enjoy a Kyoto summer even more deeply, be sure to listen to Nils's lively talk in the main episode.
* This summary is generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.