DARUMA - Echigojishi hariko

LINK
http://haikutopics.blogspot.jp/2006/05/dance.html


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Kagura Dance and Music are part of the Shinto Rituals for the Gods, relating to ancient legends and were performed by priests and shrine maidens.
also

. . . . . shishimai,　 獅子舞 lion dance
shishi mai 獅子舞 (ししまい) lion dance

shishigashira 獅子頭（ししがしら）lion head
Echigojishi 、越後獅子（えちごじし）lion dance from Echigo
kakubeijishi 角兵衛獅子（かくべえじし）children doing the lion dance and acrobatic performance
Kagura Dance, Japan 神楽


source : ameblo.jp/a-late-bloomer
Echigojishi Daruma 越後獅子達磨
a papermachee doll from Himeji 姫路張子



observance kigo for the New Year
shishigashira no shinji - lion dance head ceremony
獅子頭の神事 (ししがしらのしんじ)
. . . . . ongashira shinji 御頭神事（おかしらしんじ）

On January 15. nowadays on February 15.
In the Ise region of Mie prefecture.



The ritual lion dance at the shrine Takoo Jinja 高向神社 Tako jinja, is especially famous.
Its ritual dates back more than 800 years and the lion head mask was made in 1038.
After a ritual dance at the shrine, the lion head performer walks through the village to purify each home. In the evening, ritual food is eaten and dances, especially sword dances 太刀舞 are performed.
The ceremony is a prayer for a good harvest, keeping away evil influence, illness and fire and pray for a happy family.


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