Publicerad: 18.11.2018
On November 3rd, there was a Culture Day (Bunka no Hi) originally celebrating the birthday of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912), an important figure in Japanese history.
It made sense to go to the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo on that day as I had heard that there would be many ceremonies taking place there.
The Meiji Shrine is located in a large wooded area in the middle of Tokyo.
Many people were out and about...
many invited guests, but also many families taking advantage of such a holiday to dress their children, and sometimes the whole family, in traditional clothing.
Beautiful flowers are always presented according to the season.
But my goal was the YABUSAME Ritual: Horseback Archery, which has over 800 years of history in Japan and is celebrated as a spiritual ceremony for peace.
copyright www.yabusame.or.jp
During the ritual, three targets are shot at full gallop, with the goal being to hit all three.
First, the riders (including a female rider this year) enter with all the assistants necessary for the ceremony and competition:
the Amazon
The race takes place in the shade of the forest.