Rice 2 matsuri

The rice has been harvested, a ceremony for thanksgiving is due. On October 27th a procession of shinto prietsts and village elders (only men) worked its way from a small village west of the city to a sacred area in the fields at the foot of the mountains.

The area is marked by a tori, usually seen at entrances of shrines. Straw mats were layed out to ptovide seating.

A portable shrine was decorated with offerings.

The ceremony sould start.

Rituals were performed, prayers said.

Purification...  blessings...

Solemnity

More prayers

And then the final part: ritual sake.

Some excuisite embroidery, who knows how old, but kept in perfect condition, only used on special occasions like this biennial matsuri that had not be held for 6 years

Walking about 1 km back to the main shrine

The gods must have been happy, presenting us with this beautiful day!

And I felt specially happy and privileged to beallowed to witness these ceremonies from close by!