Japan Creates World’s Biggest Tug-of-War Rope
Japanese folks from Kumoji, Naha, upheld their annual tradition of creating the mother of all tug-of-war rope when they put together a 656 foot long rope for the 39th Ryukyu Kingdom Festival Tsunahiki. Weighing 44 tons and measuring 4.5 feet in diameter, this rope had already broken the world record in 1997.
The tug-of-war itself signified peace and goodwill as well as doubling as a prayer session for crop harvesting.
In preparation for the scheduled tug-of-war, diligent workers would start weaving rice straw into thin ropes months before the event. Then bundles of these ropes would later be woven together to form two main sections of the main rope.
When it is time for the event, helpers would bring these two ends together and join up to create the lengthy 656 feet rope.
Thousands of people usually gathered in Naha City to partake in this tug-of-war.
The rope-tugging event is only part of this popular festival. Other events included martial art demonstrations, parades and folk dances.
Typically, there are also folks dressing up as kings and nobles of that time period.
In fact, two of these supreme ruler folks act out scenes over the giant rope. They are the ones who will give the go-ahead for the tug-of-war itself.
This tradition could be traced to the 17th century when folks from the eastern and western villages did mock fights as part of the prayers.
By shinigami on 24-10-2009
Comment by poop
October 24th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
one question:
WHY?
Comment by ronni
October 24th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
festivals bring people together, setting goals and achieving them, coming together to help build the rope
if you don't see why, that's kinda sad!
i feel sorry for you
peace
Comment by Pamela
October 26th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I think it is neat.After the tug of war,what in the world will happen to this thing.It is too big for practical use.and will take up too much space in an already over populated country where a small apt. can cost the price of a small house here.
Comment by Bob
October 27th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Looks like they give some of the rope away as souvenirs. Wonder what happens to whatever's left after the tourist take the souvenirs? Maybe they burn it in a fire festival. hehe, or for heating rural homes (unlikely in a super high tech country like Japan). Maybe chop it into mulch and use as fertilizer. And to think they make a new one of these things every year!
Comment by Jerimiah
November 13th, 2009 at 7:31 am
I went to this Festival a few weeks ago, it was cool, and yes the rope is huge. It is considered good luck to take a piece of the straw rope with you. There are about a half a million people at the event though, so can you say crowded?