Matsuri Procession Otoshi Shrine in Tsunozu

祭りの行列 Yesterday was Harvest Matsuri at Otoshi Shrine in Tsunozu, Shimane.

Following an all-night performance of kagura, in the late morning a ceremony is held in the shrine followed by the procession of mikoshi around the community.


A mikoshi is known as "portable shrine", but more accurately they are "sacred palanquins" which carry the gods from the shrine around the community. Mikoshi vary in size and splendor, but they are all heavy and require the services of many strong men to carry them.


The children have their own mikoshi, though obviously much lighter. Matsuri is fun, as can be seen in the kids faces.

The procession is led by a Tengu, a phallic-nosed forest goblin closely associated with Yamabushi, the mountain ascetics who in earlier times were the majority of priests in many areas.

The tengu is followed by a Shi-shi, or Chinese lion.

Next comes the Taiko drum and drummer on their own purpose-built trolley. Please note that here in "Safety Japan" it is a requirement that seat belts be worn on Taiko Trolleys!

Coming up near the rear are the priests and assistants.

The rearguard to the procession are 3 Miko, shrine maidens.

These 3 junior high schoolgirls had danced during the ceremony at the shrine before the procession began.

In earlier times only pre-pubescent girls could be Miko, then later the restriction became only vigins. Nowadays the only restriction is she must be unmarried.

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Tags

Japan Shimane matsuri Tsunozu mikoshi otoshi tengu miko shinto