Okihiki at Roppongi Hills



These photos from The Japan Times and The Mainichi show a ceremony last Sunday at Roppongi Hills, Tokyo. People in happi coats draw a cart full of sacred logs to be used for the 2013 reconstruction of Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture, during an Okihiki event. It is the first time the event has been performed outside of Ise.

The reconstruction of the shinto shrine buildings is a remarkable process. They actually tear the entire building down, and rebuild it with new logs, to keep it "pure". I think doing the ceremony at the posh Roppongi Hills was a clever idea, reminding busy people of such ancient traditions.

Ise Shrine is worth a visit, by the way, but the most sacred areas are hidden from view by thin sheets of white silk (or maybe cotton). This actually adds to the sense of beauty - the divine communicates in mysterious ways!

The official Ise Shrine website is nice, with details about the rebuilding ceremonies here.

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