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Meiwa is a rural town (pop. 22,500) next to Ise and the site of the Saiku Palace (斎宮) where the Ise Jingu Grand Shrines' High Priestess (Saio princess) resided during the 7th–14th centuries to conduct ceremonies at Ise in place of the emperor.The Saio princess was an unmarried, young Imperial princess closely related to the Emperor, usually a daughter or sister. She was appointed (by divination with a turtle shell that was burnt) to be the High Priestess of Ise Grand Shrines to represent the emperor when conducting official ceremonies at the shrine a few times a year to pray for national peace and prosperity. Each time a new emperor was enthroned, a new Saio princess was appointed as the High Priestess and she traveled from Kyoto to live in the Saiku Palace in Meiwa. The journey, called "Saio Gunko," took 5 nights and 6 days through Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures and her entourage was several hundred. For about 660 years from 673 to 1334, over 60 Saio princesses served at Ise Grand Shrines. Many of them were age 5 to 15, and the oldest was 32. They served for varying periods of time, from 1 to 31 years. The High Priestess conducted prayers at the shrine for the peace, protection, welfare, and prosperity of the nation. As this sign indicates, Meiwa and Saiku is a Japan Heritage Site.
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Meiwa holds the two-day Saio Matsuri (斎王まつり) festival annually on the first full weekend in June to reenact part of the Saio procession traveling from Kyoto to the Saiku Palace.On June 2–3, 2018, the 36th Saio Matsuri was held in Meiwa. It also happens to be the town's 60th anniversary. The festival is held near Saiku Station (Kintetsu Yamada Line) in the area where the Saiku Palace was located. It's now a large park-like area. On the festival's first day (Festival Eve) at 3:30 pm, the Misogi-no-Gi Ceremony is held at a small stream where the Saio dips her hands into the water for purification. Then they move to an outdoor stage near Saiku History Museum to conduct an evening ceremony and entertainment program from 5 pm to 9 pm. (In the case of rain, the event will be canceled.)
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On the second day, the Departure Ceremony is held here at the Saiku Heian-no-mori Park where a few Heian Period structures have been reconstructed. They had a large blue tarp on the ground for spectators.Second day is the main event. There's the Departure Ceremony and Saio Gunko Procession. The Departure Ceremony reenacts the Saio's departure from Kyoto for her journey to Saiku Palace.
At 1 pm, the Departure Ceremony is held at Saiku Heian-no-mori Park where a few Heian-Period buildings have been reconstructed. At 2 pm, the 120 people dressed in Heian-Period costumes walk in a colorful procession called the "Saio Gunko" to an outdoor stage near the Saiku History Museum. The Saio princesses are carried in their own palanquins. It's a short walk.
On the outdoor stage, they hold a ceremony and picture-taking session from 2:45 pm. Everything ends by 3:30 pm. I went to see the festival on the second day on June 3, 2018. In the case of rain, the event will be canceled.
If you want to get close, you need to arrive earlier than the 1 pm starting time. Short walk from Saiku Station.
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The Departure Ceremony at Saiku Heian-no-mori Park gathered all the people in traditional costume. 出発式Saiku Heian-no-mori Park (Saiku Heian Era Park) recreates one of the many rectangular blocks of the Saiku Palace area. This one reconstructs three buildings used by the head of the Saikuryo, the government office of the Saiku Palace. This main building is the Seiden (正殿) dating from the 9th century used to conduct important ceremonies by the head of the Saikuryo and to welcome official messengers from Ise Grand Shrines and Kyoto. Saio Matsuri is a tourist/community festival, not a religious festival held by any shrine. Run by a volunteer committee.
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Large crowd sitting on the tarp and watching the departure ceremony. It's pretty hot under the sun.
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People wore Heian Period (794–1185) costumes from when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. These are Saiku government officials. 斎宮十二司官人
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Saiku government officials. 斎宮十二司官人
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Dancers called Maibito (舞人).
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The Departure Ceremony started with a purification ritual called "Kiyone no Gishiki." A woman at two corners of the Seiden sprinkled confetti. 清めの儀式
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Iris flower offerings followed. Leading court ladies called the Myobu (命婦), assistants who tend to the immediate needs of the Saio princess. 献花の儀式
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Myobu (命婦) getting off the Seiden.
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Myobu (命婦) getting off the Seiden.
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High-ranking court ladies called Uneme (釆女) chosen from an aristocratic family. They were in charge of food and drink for the princess. They give an iris flower offering.
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High-ranking court ladies called Uneme (釆女) chosen from an aristocratic family. They were in charge of food and drink for the princess.
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Flower offering by court ladies called Nyoju (女嬬) who serve in the inner palace (後宮) and take care of the Saio princess' daily living.
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Court ladies called Nyoju (女嬬) who serve in the inner palace (後宮) and take care of the Saio princess' daily living.
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Top-ranking court ladies called the Naishi (内侍) working at the Saiku Palace.
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Top-ranking court ladies called the Naishi (内侍) working at the Saiku Palace.
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Top-ranking court ladies called the Naishi (内侍) working at the Saiku Palace.
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Naishi (内侍) and the Nyo-betto leads the Child Saio princess.
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The Nyo-betto (女別当), who was the supervisor of the court ladies at special occasions such as the Saio procession, offer an iris flower.
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The Child Saio princess offer an iris flower. 子ども斎王
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In 2018, the child Saio princess was portrayed by 10-year-old Nishimura Manami (西村 まなみ) from Meiwa. She was selected by lot from a number of girls. Not all Saio princesses were adults, some were a child. 子供斎王
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Top-ranking court ladies called the Naishi (内侍) working at the Saiku Palace.In green is the Onna Betto (or Nyo-betto) (女別当) who was the supervisor of the court ladies at special occasions such as the Saio procession.
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Ladies wearing a red band across their shoulders are court ladies called Nyoju (女嬬) who serve in the inner palace (後宮) and take care of the Saio princess' daily living.
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Everyone here are volunteers, includng the festival staff behind the scenes. The festival is directed by a group (named Komachi 小町) of former Saio princesses and other characters who train the current year's festival participants.
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The Saio princess appeared from the Seiden and gave an offering of an iris flower and prayed toward Ise Grand Shrines.The Saio was an unmarried, young Imperial princess, often the Emperor's daughter, who was appointed (by divination) to be the High Priestess of Ise Grand Shrines to pray for national peace and prosperity a few times a year in place of the emperor.
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The Saio princess wears a juni-hitoe (12-layer) robe reserved only for Imperial family members.
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In 2018, the Saio princess was portrayed by 26-year-old Nakaho Yuri (中保 友里) from Tsu, Mie. She was selected from among 27 applicants. It was her fourth time to apply for this honor and was finally selected. It's confusing that she's called the 34th Saio at the 36th Saio Matsuri. It's because the festival didn't have a Saio from the 1st festival. She served well.
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The departure ceremony included live gagaku sacred music and a Nara Period (8th century) sacred dance called Ranryo-o. (舞樂蘭陵王). Gagaku music was performed by Kogakkan University's Gagaku club. It's a Shinto university in Ise. 皇學館大学 雅楽部
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Ranryo-o court dance originally came from China and was a warrior hero dance. (舞樂蘭陵王).
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Ranryo-o court dance dating to the Nara Period (8th century). Chinese warrior Ranryo-o was Prince of Lanling (Gao Changgong), a victorious 6th c. general. (舞樂蘭陵王).To hide his gentle-looking face, Ranryo-o wore a fierce mask in battle. Notice the dragon head mask.
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Nara Period (8th century) sacred dance (舞樂蘭陵王).Gagaku music was performed by Kogakkan University's Gagaku club seen in the background. 皇學館大学 雅楽部
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Saio Matsuri Departure Ceremony at Seiden Hall, Saiku Heian-no-mori Park. 正殿
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Saio princess gave a farewell speech.
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The Saio gives farewell remarks before leaving her family in Kyoto for Saiku. See the video to hear what she said.
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After the Departure Ceremony, the Saio exits showing her long, flowing black hair.
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Palanquins for the Saio (middle), Nyo-betto, and Child Saio standby for the procession. The orignal palanquins had no wheels.
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The procession is about to leave the starting point at around 2 pm. Purple irises is another symbol of Meiwa, probably why they hold the festival in June.
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Until the 19th century, wild irises grew extensively in Saiku's natural wetlands. A National Natural Monument, Saiku/Ise irises are one of Japan's few natural iris strains from which hybrids were created. Wetlands have been recreated in Saiku to grow irises.
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Irises in early June in Meiwa, Mie Prefecture. Meiwa's official flower. Ancient texts mention that pilgrims going to worship at Ise Shrines described it like walking on clouds of purple.
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Saio Matsuri banners were put up by local jr. high students.
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Patch of trees are the Saio Woods where the Saiku Palace was supposedly located. 斎王の森
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Torii in Saio Woods. 斎王の森
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On Nov. 3, 1968, Ise Jingu Shrine erected this stone monument in the Saio Woods to indicate that the Saiku Palace was located in this area.斎王の森
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Stone monument in the Saio Woods indicating the location of the Saiku Palace. "Site of the Saio Palace" erected in On Nov. 3, 1968.斎王の森
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About the Saio Woods.
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In the Saio Woods, Historic Site marker for the Saiku Palace. The Saiku Palace was constructed anew for each new Saio. 斎王の森
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Saio Woods 斎王の森
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Saio Woods explanation as of 1968.
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The Saio princess procession (斎王群行) had about 120 people dressed in Heian Period (794–1185) costumes.
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The Saio Gunko Procession started at around 2 pm.
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High-ranking court ladies called Uneme (釆女) chosen from an aristocratic family. They were in charge of food and drink for the princess.
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Ladies wearing a red band across their shoulders are court ladies called Nyoju (女嬬).
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Nyoju (女嬬) followed by Warawame (童女) daughters of the Imperial family or nobility.
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In front of the Saio princess palanquin are girls are called Warawame (童女). They are daughters of the Imperial family or nobility and are learning the customs of the Saiku while living in the Saiku Palace. They wear chihaya costume. 千早
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The first palanquin carries the Nyo-betto (女別当), the supervisor of the court ladies.
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The first palanquin carries the Nyo-betto (女別当), the supervisor of the court ladies.
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Myobu (命婦), assistants who tend to the immediate needs of the Saio princess.
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Naishi (内侍) coordinator of court ladies in Saiku Palace. They have a fancy umbrella bearer called furyu-gasa. 風流傘
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Naishi (内侍) coordinator of court ladies in Saiku Palace. She has a fancy umbrella bearer called furyu-gasa. 風流傘
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Girls called Warawame (童女) wearing chihaya costume 千早. Part of the festival route was the actual route where the Saio princess traveled to Ise Grand Shrines.
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In front of the Saio princess palanquin are girls are called Warawame (童女). They are daughters of the Imperial family or nobility and are learning the customs of the Saiku while living in the Saiku Palace.
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This is the Saio princess sitting in a palanquin on wheels. In Saiku, the Saio's palanquin is called Sokaren (葱華輦), meaning "Onion Flower Palanquin" in reference to its onion-shaped giboshi roof ornament.The Saio palanquin bearers are called Kayocho (駕輿丁) who were chosen from the best gentlemen.
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Saio princess in a palanquin in Meiwa, Mie Prefecture.
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Saio princess in a palanquin in Meiwa, Mie Prefecture. Very photogenic makeup and costume.
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Saio princess in a palanquin in Meiwa, Mie Prefecture. The Saio princess was selected from tens of candidates. This was her fourth time to apply for the honor and she was finally selected.It is to promote the town so she was very willing to pose for pictures. The makeup person did a very good job.
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Saio princess in a palanquin in Meiwa, Mie Prefecture.
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Saio princess in a palanquin in Meiwa, Mie Prefecture.
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Child Saio princess. 子供斎王
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Child Saio princess. 子供斎王
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As the Saio procession went through the park, the crowd followed. 上園芝生広場
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Naishi (内侍) coordinator of court ladies in Saiku Palace. She has a fancy umbrella bearer called furyu-gasa. 風流傘
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Aristocratic boys wearing a Heian-Period suikan costume. 童男人形「水干」
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The procession walked through a lawn of food stalls and headed for the outdoor stage. This is near the Saiku History Museum.
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High-ranking court ladies called Uneme (釆女) chosen from an aristocratic family. They were in charge of food and drink for the princess.
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Court lady called the Uneme (釆女) chosen from an aristocratic family and who was in charge of food and drink.
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High-ranking court ladies called Uneme (釆女) chosen from an aristocratic family. They were in charge of food and drink for the princess.
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Court ladies called Nyoju (女嬬).
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They started gathering on the outdoor stage near the Saiku Historical Museum.
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Girls called Warawame (童女) wearing chihaya costume 千早. They are daughters of the Imperial family or nobility and are learning the customs of the Saiku while living in the Saiku Palace.
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Girls called Warawame (童女). They are children of the Imperial family or nobility and are learning the customs of the Saiku while living in the Saiku Palace.
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Almost an hour later, the procession arrived at this park with this outdoor stage for the welcome ceremony. The Saio arrived.
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On this outdoor stage, they were to hold the Shato-no-Gi welcome ceremony at 2:50 pm when head honchos give speeches. 社頭の儀. This is the Saikuryo Government Director General. 斎宮寮長官
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In green is the Onna Betto (or Nyo-betto) (女別当) who was the supervisor of the court ladies at special occasions such as the Saio procession.
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Everyone arrived here and the ceremony started with a few speeches.
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Warawame (童女) daughters of the Imperial family or nobility. They wear chihaya costume. 千早
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In green, Nyo-betto and the Child Saio princess.
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Before the Saio moves or poses, her attendants arrange her juni-hitoe kimono.
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The man on the far right in dark blue is Ise Kokushi (伊勢国司) Governor of Ise Province. Next to him also in blue is the Chobusoshi (長奉送使) director of the Saio procession.
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Posing with Meiwa's mascot Mei-hime. めい姫
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Saio posing with Warawame (童女) dressed in Heian-Period suikan costume. 水干
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After the arrival ceremony, they held a picture-taking session with the Saio princess who posed with each group of characters. Anyone could take pictures. This was a great PR strategy. Obviously, social media fodder. Got some good photos of everyone.
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Saio posing with Warawame (童女) dressed in chihaya costume. 千早
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Ladies wearing a red band across their shoulders are court ladies called Nyoju (女嬬) who serve in the inner palace (後宮) and take care of the Saio princess' daily living.
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Posing with Saio palanquin bearers called Kayocho (駕輿丁) who were chosen from the best gentlemen.
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Posing with Saio palanquin bearers called Kayocho (駕輿丁) who were chosen from the best gentlemen.
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Posing with Saio palanquin bearers called Kayocho (駕輿丁) who were chosen from the best gentlemen.
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Saiku government officials. 斎宮十二司官人
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Posing with dancers called Maibito (舞人).
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Posing with dancers called Maibito (舞人).
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Saiku government officials. 斎宮十二司官人
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Saiku government officials. 斎宮十二司官人
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Kadono-osa, the security detail. They hold a tachi sword. 看督長
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Posing with court ladies called Nyoju (女嬬) who serve in the inner palace (後宮) and take care of the Saio princess' daily living.
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Posing with court ladies called Nyoju (女嬬) who serve in the inner palace (後宮) and take care of the Saio princess' daily living.
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Posing with court ladies called the Uneme (釆女) chosen from an aristocratic family and who was in charge of food and drink.
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Posing with leading court ladies called the Myobu (命婦), assistants who tend to the immediate needs of the Saio princess.
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Posing with top-ranking court ladies called the Naishi (内侍) working at the Saiku Palace. They have fancy umbrella bearers called furyu-gasa. 風流傘
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Posing with top-ranking court ladies called the Naishi (内侍) working at the Saiku Palace. They have fancy umbrella bearers called furyu-gasa. 風流傘
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Posing with top-ranking court ladies called the Naishi (内侍) working at the Saiku Palace. They have fancy umbrella bearers called furyu-gasa. 風流傘
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Posing with top-ranking court ladies called the Naishi (内侍) working at the Saiku Palace. They have fancy umbrella bearers called furyu-gasa. 風流傘
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Posing with top-ranking court ladies called the Naishi (内侍) working at the Saiku Palace. They have fancy umbrella bearers called furyu-gasa. 風流傘
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Posing with the Emperor's Messenger who is the highest ranking person in the procession. (Konoe Tsukai). 近衛使
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Posing with the Nyo-betto (女別当) who was the supervisor of the court ladies at special occasions such as the Saio procession.
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Child Saio princess and adult Saio princess.
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Yellow banners read "Saio Matsuri" (Saio Festival).
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The Saio princess wears a juni-hitoe (12-layer) robe reserved only for female Imperial family members or women marrying into the Imperial family.
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In the end, the Saio princess slowly walked through the palace door that opened for her. Her long, black hair and way of walking were very elegant. After she entered, the doors closed and the festival was over.
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Everyone quickly dissipated and all the food stalls closed up. It was only 3:30 pm.
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After the festival is over, be sure to visit the Saiku Historical Museum nearby. See this album.
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Sign saying "Saiku" which was designated as a National Historic Site in 1979. 国史跡
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The actual road where the Saio princess traveled to Ise Grand Shrines. Called "Kodai Ise-do" (Ancient Ise Road). 古代伊勢道
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The actual road where the Saio princess traveled to Ise Grand Shrines. Called "Kodai Ise-do" (Ancient Ise Road). 古代伊勢道
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Saiku Heian-no-mori Park (さいくう平安の杜) opened in Oct. 2015 with three reconstructed buildings.
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Saiku Heian-no-mori Park recreates one of the many rectangular blocks of the Saiku Palace area. This one reconstructs three buildings used by the head of the Saikuryo, the government office of the Saiku Palace. The left building is the Nishiwakiden, center is Seiden (main building), and right building is the Higashiwakiden. The buildings are only approximations of what they actually looked like. Only the size could be determined from pillar holes, but not the actual apperance. This is where the Saio Matsuri festival's Departure Ceremony is held.
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The Nishiwakiden is thought to be an auxiliary to the Seiden and used for rituals and banquets. 西脇殿
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This main building is the Seiden dating from the 9th century used to conduct important ceremonies by the head of the Saikuryo and to welcome official messengers from Ise Grand Shrines and Kyoto.Normally open to the public, free admission. 正殿
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The Higashiwakiden is only partially walled with an earthen floor, used as a waiting room or preparation room during ceremonies. 東脇殿
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About Saiku Heian-no-mori Park. Open 9:30 am to 5 pm (until 4 pm during Nov.–Feb.). The buildings are aso available for rent for private events.
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Line of stumps indicate the position of pillars of a fence that surrounded the Saio's Palace.
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Route taken by the Saio princess from Kyoto to Saiku Palace, near Ise Grand Shrines. The journey took 5 nights and 6 days, and passed through Shiga at Seta (Otsu), Kafuka (Koka), and Tarumi before going to Mie at Suzuka and Ichishi. The Saio princess stayed at a different palace each night, and three of them were in Shiga. The temporary palace for the Saio princess was called Tongu (頓宮). Only the Tarumi Tongu's former location is known today.
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The Saio princess was an unmarried, young Imperial princess, often the Emperor's daughter, who was appointed (by divination) to be the High Priestess of Ise Grand Shrines in Mie Prefecture from the 7th to 14th centuries.This Ai-no-Tsuchiyama Saio Princess Procession was started in 1998.
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My video of Tsuchiyama Saio Princess Procession held in 2018.
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The festival started at 11:30 am with the Saio princess carried on a palanquin arriving at a small park called Yume no Ogawa next to Ono Elementary School.
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She and her entourage arrived to perform the Misogi-shiki purification ceremony. 禊ぎ式 MAP
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For about 660 years from the 7th century, over 60 Saio princesses served at Ise Grand Shrines. Each time there was a new emperor, a new Saio princess would be appointed to serve at Ise.
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The new Saio princess traveled from Kyoto to the Saiku palace near Ise Grand Shrines. It took 5 nights and 6 days. From 886 to 1264 (378 years), one stop along the way was Tarumi Tongu in Tsuchiyama.
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This festival reenacts the Tsuchiyama leg of the Saio Princess Procession. It started at Ono Elementary School and proceeded to the site of Tarumi Tongu, one of the five temporary palaces for the Saio.
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At Yume no Ogawa park, there is a small stream where the Saio princess performed the Misogi-shiki purification ceremony. 禊ぎ式 夢の小川
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At Yume no Ogawa park, the Saio princess performed the Misogi-shiki purification ceremony in Tsuchiyama, Shiga. 禊ぎ式
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Kyoto's Aoi Matsuri Festival held in May is also a reenactment of this Saio princess procession called Saio Gunko (斎王群行).
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They wear Heian Period costumes. Although Tsuchiyama's Saio festival is not as big as Kyoto's Aoi Matsuri or Meiwa's Saio Matsuri in Mie, it is still very colorful and enjoyable.
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The Saio princess wears a juni-hitoe (12-layer) robe reserved only for Imperial family members. For this festival in 2009, the Saio princess is portrayed by 20-year-old Chiaki Koyama (神山千明) from Shigaraki, Koka.
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After the Misosugi purification ceremony, they formed a procession again and headed for the Ono Elementary School gymnasium.
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Tsuchiyama Saio Princess Procession あいの土山斎王群行
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Before embarking on the journey from Kyoto to Saiku in Mie Prefecture near Ise Grand Shrine where she was to serve as High Priestess, the Saio would undergo a three-year purification period in Kyoto.
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The Saio procession was one of the largest of its kind at the time, with up to 500 people.
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The Saio procession heads for the gymnasium for another ceremony.
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Taiko drummers
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Ono Elementary School Gymnasium and a few food stalls outside. A nice festival program was also on sale for 200 yen. 大野小学校
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Entrance to the gym. (If it rains, the ceremony/festival will be held in this gymnasium.)
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Inside the gym for the Departure ceremony. The Saio princess arrives through the back door.
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They first introduced all the people in the Saio Princess Procession.
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The first (and last) character in the procession is the Kacho, an archer and the head of security. 火長
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Kacho archer. (They didn't have guns yet.)
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The woman in purple is a court lady called the Myobu (命婦), an assistant who tends to the immediate needs of the Saio princess.
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Another Myobu, followed by a man in white who is the Hakucho (白丁), a guide and guard of the court ladies.
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A pair of court ladies called the Nyoju (女嬬) who serve in the inner palace (後宮) and takes care of the Saio princess' daily living.Behind is the Torimono-toneri (執物舎人) holding an umbrella is a ceremony attendant to the emperor and Imperial family.
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These four men are Kyoto (Heiankyo) government officials called Kyoshiki Kannin (京職官人).
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The three girls are called Warawame (童女). They are daughters of the Imperial family or nobility and are learning the customs of the Imperial Court while living in the Imperial Palace. Played by girls from Koka.
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The Saio princess was an unmarried family member of the emperor, often the daughter. Chosen by divination, she was sometimes very young, like age 8. The palanquin bearers are called Yocho (輿丁) who were chosen from the best gentlemen. 斎王
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Following the Saio are more Myobu and Nyoju court ladies and the Hakucho guide in white.
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Myobu and Nyoju court ladies and the Hakucho guide in white.
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This is a unique court lady called the Uneme (釆女) chosen from an aristocratic family and who was in charge of food and drink. She wears a special wardrobe. She is played by Emi Oe (大江絵巳) from Kyoto.
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This is the Naishi (内侍), a court lady who served in the palace of the empress (中宮). During the Saio procession, she is at the service of the Saio princess.
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The woman on the right is the Onna Betto (or Nyo-betto) (女別当) who was the supervisor of the court ladies at special occasions such as the Saio procession. The lady behind her is another Nyoju court lady. And in the end is the Zoshiki (雑色) handym
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These four are the Beiju (陪従) gagaku (ancient court music) musicians who played for Imperial visits and the Saio procession. (During the festival, they never played anything and there was a separate gagaku troupe.)
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The last person in the procession is the Kacho guard.
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Placard holders called Waranbe (童部).
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Festival committee chairman gives a speech.
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Mayor of Koka gives a speech. (Tsuchiyama is in the city of Koka.)
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The gagaku musicians were from the Shiga Gagaku-kai troupe.
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Saio princess on a pedestal. The woman in the green kimono behind her was always with her, helping her with her kimono as she moved about.
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Those people in the Heian Period sure knew how to make distinguished people look distinguished.
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A dance by the Warawame child attendants.
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Group picture. About 80 people participated in the procession.
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Posing for a photo.
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The Tsuchiyama Saio Princess Procession left the gymnasium at around 1:30 pm.
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Bearer of a sign saying, "Saio."
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Coming through an avenue of pine trees on the old Tokaido Road. The procession is led by a patrol car with a speaker blaring out a Saio song.
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The Saio is actually on a wheeled cart.
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Saio princess going to Tarumi Tongu in Tsuchiyama, Shiga.
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Saio princess of the Ai-no-Tsuchiyama Saio Gunko Matsuri festival in March.
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Back of the archer.
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The first break was at the Ichiba Kumin Hiroba square.(市場区民広場)
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Ichiba Kumin Hiroba square.(市場区民広場)
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The procession arrived at about 2 pm.
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The Saio princess makes her way to her place. I wondered why the others didn't bow to her as she passed by.
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Saio princess and child attendants.
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Saio princess in juni-hitoe kimono.
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A nice performance area for a dance performance.
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The Dochumai was performed. 道中舞
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They danced to recorded music.
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Afterward, the Saio goes back into her palanquin.
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They actually carried her to the wheeled cart.
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The Saio princess in her palanquin. Notice that the palanquin's screens on all four sides are rolled up.
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Saio procession through the town. I was surprised to see so few spectators even though this was really a gorgeous procession.
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Marker for the site of the former Tarumi Tongu palace.
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Marker for the site of the former Tarumi Tongu palace.
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Another stop was made at the Maeno Community West Hiroba Square (前野集会所西広場) in front of Chianji (Chianzenji) Temple (地安禅寺).
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Saio arrives at Maeno.
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They gathered at Maeno Community West Hiroba Square (前野集会所西広場) at about 2:40 pm.Panorama shot.
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The backdrop was quite dramatic with the temple gate.Chianji belongs to the Obaku-shu Chinese Zen sect. It also has a connection to the Imperial family.
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The Saio princess was poised as always, despite the winds and sun and the heavy costume.
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Placard bearers
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