Miko

Miko (Japanese巫女, also Fujo or read Kannagi ), women are often young age, working mostly in Shinto shrines and thereby perform both religious and practical activities.

The tradition of Miko goes back to the earliest history of Japan. Originally Miko (神 子, literally, a child of God ) the name given to women who put themselves into a trance and prophecies uttered or were for the gods mouthpiece.

In Shrine Shinto Miko were originally involved as principal priestesses. The end of the 7th and early 8th century incipient organization of the shrines they had this position but lose mostly.

From this time the mixture was concentrated, the meaning of the word for young female employees in Shinto shrines or temples. Often, these were the daughter or daughters of each presiding priest. The role of the Miko of the time consisted mainly of performances of ceremonial dances ( miko -mai ) and the assistant priest at various other ceremonies, especially at weddings.

Since the Modern Miko nowadays are mostly part-time employees or volunteers, but the same obligations as originally take over, but in addition also often referred to as sellers of Ema, Omikuji and other available in Shinto shrines of religious items and relics press.

The Office of Miko is traditionally attached to it that it remains spinster. Most leaves a Miko the shrine where she works and gives its place to be there when she marries.

The traditional clothing of the Miko is a Chihaya, consisting of a scarlet hakama, as either pants or a skirt; a white kimono shirt with lengthy sleeves and often red edging; and Tabi. In addition, it is also customary to wear for a Miko, grinding or other ornaments in the hair, usually in red or white.

Miko are a popular theme in Japanese popular culture, such as movies, anime, manga, computer games, etc.

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