Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Kamakura: Tsuru-ga-oka Hachiman-gu

This Minamoto shrine is crossed into over a Drum bridge between two lotus ponds.  Before you enter you wash your hands and mouth by rinsing with water.  This is to prepare yourself for contemplation of worthy ideas.


 





We were lucky enough to come on a day when families were celebrating a sort of age milestone ceremony.  It happens when children are 1 month, 3, 5, and 7 years.  They wear traditional dress, kimonos, and go to the shrine with their families.








The juxtaposition of the old with the new.

Even modern, camera toting moms can wear kimonos for special occasions!


In an earlier blog I talked about tying off bad fortunes to leave behind and keeping the good.  I saw this repeated in many shrines.




These were special occasion remembrance banners.
 



I wish I could change the opening shot of this picture, not the best freeze!  :)  I learned more later, I actually should have bowed, clapped 2x to get attention, then bowed again.

    

5 comments:

Erin said...

Violet loves the pictures of the childern in kimonos. She asked if it was Halloween time in Japan.

Erin said...

Being as this is an educational blog I thought I should correct my typo...CHILDREN. They make typing a challenge when they both want to sit in my lap. Look forward to seeing you upon your return.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like fun! Do the Japanese children dress up for Halloween?

Anonymous said...

What a great day you've had!! I'm headed to Gramdma's for breakfast and lunch. Keep those bloggs coming!!

Aunt Janice

Miss Payne said...

Yes, kids in Japan love Halloween! My host family kids showed me their costumes when I showed off pictures of Violet and Jack from last year.