The word 'Hahaki' means 'snake tree' or 'dragon tree' and straight trees were originally the center of festivals and were portrayed as snakes.
「ハハキ」とは「蛇木（ははき）」あるいは「竜木（ははき）」であり、直立する樹木は蛇に見立てられ、古来祭りの中枢にあったという。