Shinto Priest, Wedding Flutes and Drums
Shinto priest playing gongs and flute at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. In contrast to many monotheist religions, there are no absolutes in Shinto. There is no absolute right and wrong, and nobody is perfect. Shinto is an optimistic faith, as humans are thought to be fundamentally good, and evil is believed to be caused by evil spirits. Consequently, the purpose of most Shinto rituals is to keep away evil spirits by purification, prayers and offerings to the kami. Shinto shrines are the places of worship and the homes of kami. Most shrines celebrate festivals or matsuri, regularly in order to show the kami the outside world. Shinto priests perform Shinto rituals and often live on the shrine grounds. Men and women can become priests, and they are allowed to marry and have children. Priests are supported by young ladies called miko during rituals and concerning other tasks at the shrine. Miko wear white kimono, must be unmarried, and are often the priest's daughters.
Size: 3600px × 5400px
Location: Kamakura, Japan
Photo credit: © John Lander / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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