On May 4, 2023, the "Misogi-no-gi" ceremony, in which the Saio-dai purifies himself during the Aoi Festival, one of Kyoto's three major festivals, was held at Kamigamo Shrine in Kita-ku, Kyoto. Saiodai, dressed in twelve-layered ceremonial ceremonial ceremonial ceremonial ceremonial ceremonial ceremonial ceremonial ceremonial ceremonial ceremonial ceremonial ceremonial kimono coat, dipped his hands in the gently flowing creek in the precincts and prayed for the safety of the festival.
Since 1956, when the Saiodai was founded, the Misogi ceremony has been held every year in rotation at both Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines, but it has been four years since the outbreak of the new coronavirus.
At 10:40 a.m., Ms. Haruna Matsui (29 years old) from Kyoto, the 65th Saio, arrived at the shrine leading a procession of about 50 women. After being purged by her Shinto priesthood, Mr. Matsui gently put her hands into the water on the bank of the Mitarashi River, which flows through the temple grounds, to purify her body.
After the ceremony, Matsui said, "I felt that many people are working to protect the tradition. I will do my best (to play a role) for the sake of health and happiness." said.
On May 15th, the "Roto no Gi", in which a procession of Heian period costumes marches through Kyoto, will also be held for the first time in four years.
