The traditional clothing for miko, or shrine maidens, is a white kosode (white robe) with a scarlet hakama (trouser-skirt). This combination is considered the working clothes of shrines for both men and women. Red and white, or kohaku 紅白, is a popular color combination that represents good fortune, hare, or happy occasion. The red is often connected with life, while the white with death. Miko, or “shrine maidens”, typically wear red hakama trousers.
Miko are young unmarried women trained to assist with various tasks, such as maintenance and ceremonies. Their uniform consists of a plain white kimono with a bright red hakama, sometimes a white scarf. The bride usually wears a white kimono with a white scarf, symbolizing purity. The ceremony begins with ritual purification and prayers are offered.
Miko traditions date back to ancient times, and there are no specific regulations for miko clothing. Each Shinto shrine uses clothing based on its own traditions. They often wear traditional white or red attire and perform dances or other ceremonial activities to help connect worshippers with the divine. Their striking white and red outfits give them an air of mystery.
The point in the color white is to represent purity, while red has to do with fate and our precious connections to other people. The hakama completely covers the kimono below the waist, making it appear like they are wearing a white top and red bottoms. The white kimono is called kosode (小袖), also known as hakue/byakue/shiraginu (白衣), which literally means “white cloth” specifically for the miko’s one.
📹 How to Wear a Miko Outfit
Part 1 is about the undergarments. Part 2 starts at 5:34 and is about the kimono (Byaku-e). Part 3 starts at 10:25 and is about the …
What do the colors of shrine maidens mean?
Miko, or miko, are Japanese women who wear long, straight hair tied back in a low ponytail, often with white or red ribbons to enhance their appearance. They may also wear elaborate hairpieces called hanakanzashi or a crown called a kanmuri during special occasions. This striking red and white ensemble symbolizes the balance between purity and vitality in Shinto belief. The simplicity and elegance of miko’s appearance contribute to the serene atmosphere of Shinto shrines and serve as a visual reminder of Japan’s spiritual heritage. Modern Japan’s miko training differs from the intensive shamanic training of the past, with the primary requirements being sound mind and body, and being a young, unmarried woman.
What is a shrine maiden outfit called?
Miko clothing, or miko shōzoku, is the traditional attire worn by miko (shrine maidens) at Shinto shrines. There are no specific regulations for miko clothing, and each shrine uses clothing based on its own traditions. There are also women among the Kannushi (Shinto priests), who wear different clothing than miko. The traditional miko outfit consists of a white kosode (white robe) and a scarlet hakama (trouser-skirt), which is considered the working clothes of shrines for both men and women. Shinto priests also wear this outfit under their formal attire. Yellow sumac dye, yellow tan, and dull and gray colors used for funerals are considered “forbidden colors”.
Why is shrine red?
In Japan, the color red is associated with fire and the sun. It is believed to have the power to repel evil spirits, danger, and misfortune. The red torii in front of a shrine is believed to serve as a protective barrier against these negative influences.
Do you have to be a virgin to be a shrine maiden?
A Miko is a shrine maiden at a Shinto shrine, often resembling oracles who relay god’s words during trances. Today, they are more like shrine attendants, maintaining cleanliness, selling charms, and aiding Shinto priests during ceremonies. They dance special ceremonial dances, known as miko-mai, and offer fortune-telling. Miko must be unmarried virgins, but can marry and become priestesses themselves. They are often younger relatives of Shinto priests.
In Sailor Moon, Rei Hino, a Miko at her grandfather’s shrine, used several powers that other Sailor Senshi did not possess. She had ESP, which manifested in intuitive senses, fire reading abilities, and precognative dreams. She also used ofuda to immobilize enemies with the chant “Rin, pyou, tou, sha, kai, jin, retsu, zai, zen. Akuryo Taisan!”
In the anime, Rei treated her role as a part-time job and dreamt of other careers, such as anime seiyū or a globe-trotting career woman. In the manga, live-action series, and Crystal, Rei considered her role as a Miko lifelong, until she decided to become a priestess in her own right.
Why do shrine maidens wear red and white?
A miko, or shrine maiden, is a young priestess who works at a Shinto shrine. They are traditionally dressed in red hakama (divided, pleated trousers), a white kosode (previous to the kimono), and white or red hair ribbons. White symbolizes purity in Shinto. The garment over the kosode during Kagura dances is called a chihaya (千早). Miko tools include the Azusa Yumi (catalpa bow), tamagushi (offertory sakaki-tree branches), and the gehōbako (supernatural box containing dolls, animal and human skulls, and Shinto prayer beads). In modern Japanese culture, miko are seen as institutionalized roles in daily life, trained to perform tasks ranging from sacred cleansing to performing the sacred Kagura dance.
Can kannushi marry?
Kannushi and guji, a traditional Indian caste, often have wives and families, and in rural villages, priests are expected to sire sons who will eventually join local jinjas. Access to content on Oxford Academic is often provided through institutional subscriptions and purchases. Members of an institution can access content through IP-based access, which is provided across an institutional network to a range of IP addresses, and through signing in through their institution, which uses Shibboleth/Open Athens technology to provide a single sign-on between the institution’s website and Oxford Academic.
Are shrine maidens allowed to have a relationship?
In Japanese history, a miko (shrine maiden) may marry, but it is anticipated that she will resign from her post following the ceremony. It is not customary for unmarried women to become pregnant. However, it is expected that a miko will renounce her role upon marriage, which precludes her from having children.
Can boys be shrine maidens?
Shrines in Japan often hire part-time sales assistants and groundskeepers for the New Year’s season, as many people visit during the first few days of the new year to wish for good luck and buy charms. However, it’s not common to hire male shrine maidens. Twitter user @BclassPpai discovered an announcement at Koura Grand Shrine in Fukuoka, Kyushu, causing excitement among Yaoi and otoko no ko fangirls.
Is it okay to wear red in Japan?
In Japan, red has been a forbidden color since its origins in the social rank system. Red symbolizes the ability to abide by rules and maintain social order. The solar dimension of red is found in the flag of Japan, the empire of the rising sun, with the central circle resembling Amaterasu, the Shinto goddess of the sun. The first emperor of Japan, Jinmu, would descend from this lineage. White, a sacred color in the Shinto religion, represents absolute purity and is associated with the divine. This is why it is present on the Japanese flag and in Shinto temples, surrounded by stones, sand, or wood.
Is there a male equivalent to a shrine maiden?
Kannushi were intermediaries between kami and people, transmitting their will to common humans through miracles or holy men who practiced purificatory rites. They later became synonymous with shinshoku, a man who works at shrines and holds religious ceremonies. In ancient times, the head of the clan led clansmen during religious functions, or another official. Later, the role evolved into a more specialized form, as seen in the Kojiki (680 AD) and Nihon Shoki (720 AD), where Empress Jingū and Emperor Sujin became kannushi.
Within the same shrine, there can be different types of Kannushi, such as Ō-kannushi (大神主), Sō-kannushi (総神主), or Gon-kannushi (権神主). Kannushi are assisted in their religious or clerical work by women called miko. The term “kanushi” appears in both the Kojiki (680 AD) and Nihon Shoki (720 AD).
Why is Shinto red?
The color red, also known as aka, has ancient significance in Japan, as it was used to scare away evil spirits and was worn by Shinto priests. Red aprons and caps are used to cover sculptures of Jizo or kitsune, and red is used in festivals and festival zones with red and white stripes. Red symbolizes peace and prosperity, and in Kabuki theater performances, red stripes on actors’ faces signify justice.
Blue, or ao, was a color of the common people, and was forbidden to wear bright clothes by shogunates. People used to wear kimono in grey or blue colors, as indigo was the most available natural colorant. This technology, passed down through generations, still exists in places like Nihon Minkaen. Blue also symbolizes the mystical world and evil characters in Kabuki theater.
Gold, or ki, is the symbol of the sun and gods’ power and mercy, often used at temples and shrines.
📹 MUST WATCH Before Visiting a Shinto Shrine in Japan
One of the things that you would absolutely want to do in Japan, is to visit the beautiful Shinto shrines that have hundreds of years …
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Even though I’m very much an atheist, it’s super important to recognise how important religion is for a lot of people, and such to treat places/occasions of worship with proper respect. It’s very little effort on my part, but to someone sincerely engaged in practice at a holy site, it’s the difference between their ability to proceed in an environment conducive to faith, and accidentally insulting something so dear to them.
I visited several shrines in Japan and took a lot of pictures. I wanted to get a picture of beautiful area of the center inner portion of the shrine directly in the middle in front, but I was admonished for it. I could take picture from the sides, but not while standing right in front. This article helped me understand why my actions would have been considered rude.
When I visited in March there were still many shrines with signs up asking not to use the water for rinsing your mouth. Some didn’t allow for washing of the hands either. I presume due to Covid, and was actually a little relieved (about the mouth rinsing, I have a phobia of sharing drinks even). I actually loved knowing about the rituals/rules prior to visiting. It helped me to feel more engaged in the culture and focus on not being a tourist. I think you’re right about it being more for the people – changing the mindset towards being in a place of peace and reflecting on the holy site.
The mindset you describe is in itself such a gift of spiritual perspective to the shrine’s visitors (and thanks to you, in this moment, to us as well). I think there is such amazing strength to gain in this mindfulness, like in taking responsibility for our own wishes, and trusting that everything for them to come true is already in and around us. Thank you for sharing with us not only customs but meaning as well! <3
6. Don’t visit them just to play Pokemon Go I’m feeling very embarrassed because I’ve done all of them. But I’ve never seen anyone bowing at the front gate, and most people don’t use the chouzuya, and it’s pretty rare to see someone ringing the bells. At least these are my experiences living in Japan for 6 years.
I believe all gods/goddesses and really enjoy learning about them. I would love for you to do a article about the different gods and goddesses in Japan. Of course, this is just a request but I would really enjoy a article about Japanese gods and goddesses from someone native to Japan. Foreigners might not always get everything right ya know
Unrelated to the article content, but I’m glad to see that you’re doing well! I’m not sure when I last saw a article from you but I know it’s been probably a year, as this article is almost a year old at time of me posting this comment and I never got a notification for it. I think that the only reason that YouTube finally started showing me your articles again is due to the fact that I’m using Duolingo to learn Japanese, so my phone has picked up Japanese words which has led to YT suggesting Japan related articles and articles in Japanese.
I’m sorry for causing troubles. I had read that one of places connected to Shinsengumi is Mibudera and that dera is kind of a temple/shrine. I admire Shinsengumi so if I would ever go to Japan I want to check all places connected with them. But I’m also a bit scared of religious places (it’s really hard to avoid churches in my country tho as they are everywhere, there are few next to my house even^-^”). So I don’t really know what to do. I don’t want to invade space for praying if I’m not part of the religion. I just don’t want to hurt anyone. Also it feels like betraying myself if I would try to pray and it would be not kind to only pretend. Also I have troubles with both moving and breathing and you mentioned that sometimes the road to shrines is difficult. I haven’t seen the Mibudera yet so I don’t know if I would be able to go there, I also don’t know when I would be able to go to Japan and what state my health would be in. But just in case, what to do if someone is unable to get inside because of long road/steps? If there are steps then it’s surely beyong my reach and it would be even worse for people more disabled than me. Is there any way to get to the shrine even if the body is not cooperating? I don’t know if someone like me should even try to enter Mibudera as I don’t know if someone like me should be allowed to admire Shinsengumi and there’s also problem of entering a place important for many people and sacred in some way. Plus I may just not be able to physically enter the place.
Thank you, and your family, so much for this educational article, and for all the information contained therein. I enjoyed it very much, as I do all of your fine articles. You do a fantastic job of researching everything you share with us; AND you are a true teacher, with a great heart for enlightening others. Again, thank you so much. Also, no worries about not having as many articles made as before. You never have to apologize for looking after your family and yourself, and keeping your scheduled balanced. We all go through different seasons in our lives and should accept those changes. Sometimes, it is not what we want, but it is what is best. Thank you again. Take care and be safe. 😊💖🙏
I’ve always been extremely interested in Japanese history and culture, especially between the early Edo to Meiji periods. But ever since I started perusal your website, you have motivated me to actually purchase my own real Iaito to start training at home. One day I hope to visit Kyoto and get legitimate training in Iaido! Thankyou Shogo 😁
If I’m remembering correctly, the anime / manga “Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei” (Goodbye, Mr. Despair) had festival arc where I learned that last fact. The no sandals rule was new to me though, which makes me wonder if they mean going stockless. Since aren’t sandals part of the traditional festival garments?
My very first shrine visit in Japan was when I went to Meiji Jinguu in Tokyo. It was January, so I wasn’t wearing anything on the list of fashions that I shouldn’t (I’m tall, so I never wear high heels either). But one thing I remember very clearly is that I walked through the torii right in the middle. I didn’t wash either, because I didn’t know I was supposed to do that. I had no idea what I was doing at all, and since I had a really bad feeling that I had already made a billion mistakes without knowing it, I turned around and left as quickly as I could. I didn’t manage to do it properly until I visited Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto a few weeks later, when I had someone explain what I was supposed to do (and not supposed to do). I constantly have trouble remembering in what order to do the clapping and bowing at shrines, even if I have been told many times. During my second visit to Fushimi Inari (December last year) my friend and I went and asked someon at the shrine how to do it, and like a goldfish, when I came to the actual shrine, I had completely forgotten. A question: As I recall, the Hakozaki shrine in Fukuoka has a station where you come out behind the first torii. What would you do then? You haven’t passed the gate, technically, but you have already entered the shrine grounds. My Japanese friend didn’t do anything. Maybe it’s because we were just going to Houjouya festival. Are there special rules for festivals? I remember that both my friend and I took pictures of the stalls and the food, but she didn’t seem concerned at all about going up to the main shrine.
Thank you so much for making this article. My partner and I are saving up to go to Japan (it won’t be for years though) and one of the things we really want to do is visit some of the shrines. I’ve been paranoid about doing things that might be viewed as disrespectful or taboo and planned to look up basic etiquette for shrines before we go, but this article is such a great overview. Is it true most shrines will have someone there you can ask for help in what is and isn’t respectful? Or is that just certain shrines/certain holidays?
Honest question: if you want to experience a shrine and see the history and beauty but it’s against someone’s religion to follow another religion’s practice/pray to other gods, what does that person do? 🤔 Also what if this person doesn’t even believe a kami is actually there but again just wants to experience it. Edit: also how many people ACTUALLY believe in this vs. just keep tradition alive? I’ve heard Japan is pretty agnostic/atheist in modern times.
This article was so helpful on my visit to Japan! However I have questions. There are often more than one shrine at a location. Should I produce offerings at each, or is one enough? I also noticed that people bow at the gates with doors (not just torii gates) – is this correct? And bowing on the way out, you should turn to face the shrine, that’s something I didn’t get first time around 😅
I know this is an older article, but I’m hoping someone may be able to answer this for me. When “rinsing your mouth” do you mean your face or do you actually swish the water inside your mouth? I’m not a spiritual person, but I find all the ceremony and tradition interesting. So I don’t want to be the weirdo at Chozuya drinking the water while everyone else is splashing it on their face hah.
2:21 Is there a reason why you have to rinse your mouth? I get the hand washing part, but not the mouthwash. 2:36 So it’s a divine throne room of sorts. 2:55 So I take it that the shrine in the back is sort of a RSVP room. 5:13 Traffic.That’s understood. It makes common sense. 6:49 Interesting. I take it that you swallow the water being used for mouth washing, right? Seems pretty rude to spit it out.
I’m part Japanese, but never have gotten to go to Japan myself. I’ve been very interested in learning about my heritage, and I wish I asked my great grandmother more about what Japan was like. I’m hoping to visit there someday and I want to learn as much as I can about the culture, history and religion. This article was very informative!
There are two social problems I have been curious to learn more about the more I look into Japanese social media: The first concerns the growth of drug usage specially in Tokyo by the younger generation, is this an alarming increase? The second one concerns a type of Otaku, in particular Train Otakus acting in a very violent and rude manner, sometimes attack train staff, standing on train paths or being overall disrespectfull towards anyone blocking their “shot”, does this represent a big majority of such Otakus? Is it something we should watch out for if visiting/walking around cities with traintracks?
Hello Shogo! Somewhat offftopic, but maybe you know: I believe that I seen somewhere that during Meiji period when european-like sabre somewhat replaced katana in army there were occasions when old katanas were transformed into sabre by changing hilts to like continue use family blade. It can be disinformation, especially since I can’t find anything, but maybe someone here knows anything about it)
I don’t remember you posting timestamps (0:43) in the beginning of the articles before. This will be very helpful for some people, great idea! But to bring it all the way, I recommend you to make chapters in your articles. That way, everyone will see visual separations in a article’s timeline and can skip to the chapter that they want to watch right away. These chapters have their names too. I hope you can add this into your future articles (and maybe in @letsasksekisensei website too). A great example of chapters in articles (if you need one) is @TrashTaste website. You are doing great! Raising 3 children is a lot of work, so you can take your time.
2012 I visited Sensō-ji temple. I try to be as respectful as I can visiting other countries and to learn their culture. Especially around holy places. But as a tourist I think I broke many of the temple rules😅 as I did not know of them except the bowing and cleaning myself. Luckily none of the people scolded me for my stupidity😂