Pit Workers in the Old Days #6: Taboos at Parties and When Underground
1958 - 1963

Mukashi no Yamabito #6: Enkai to Konai Imimono
[Pit Workers in the Old Days #6: Taboos at Parties and When Underground]
25.4 x 35.7 cm Ink Painting

(1) When a miner kept on using a sake cup without passing it to another person, someone would say, "Hey, I've been waiting for an empty tub for a long time (hakonagure). Pass me the tub, quick." This expression comes originally from the fact that the delay of distribution of empty tubs or mine cars often forced miners to wait for them beside the heaps of coal they temporarily stored, without working for a long time.

(2) Miners could not on any account cover their head and ears with a cotton towel when underground, because it prevented them from hearing warnings of dangerous accidents. However, they could do so on the surface.

(3) Clapping was especially prohibited when underground. It was because the miners at that time, taking care not to miss any obscure sounds foreboding disaster, were afraid of mishearing clapping as sounds made by the breaking wedges (kamisashi) on the supports before a collapse.

Miners' Favorite Phrase
"Nagee ukiyo ni mijikee inochi. Tarafuku nonde unto kuute futoku mijikaku kurasu ga mouke ja."

"The world lasts long, but life is short. It would be better to lead a short and merry life, drinking and eating our fill."

Song Lyrics of "Gombe ga Tane Makya"

Gombe ga tane makya karasu ga sesekuru.
Sando ni ichido wa owazuba narumai.
Zumbera! Zumbera!

Crows peck up the seeds every time Gombe sows them.
He must scare them away once in three times.
Zumbera! Zumbera! (Interjected chants)


Translation Assisted by Mr. Nathan Johndro

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