Aoi Matsuri (葵祭)~Get ready for may 15th~

[miyahara_sama]

The Aoi Matsuri (葵祭) is one of Kyoto's three most famous festivals (along with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri) and takes place every May 15.

The festival's main attraction is a large parade in Kyoto, in which over 500 people dressed in the aristocratic style of the Heian Period (794-1185) walk from the Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines. Aoi is Japanese for Hollyhock, and the festival is named after the Hollyhock leaves that are worn by the members of the procession.

Predating Kyoto's establishment as the national capital in 794, the Aoi Matsuri began in the 7th century, although its precise origins are uncertain. There were most likely natural disasters occurring that were believed to be caused by the deities of the Kamo Shrines. After the Emperor made offerings to the gods, the disasters subsided and a tradition was begun. The festival's official name remains Kamo Matsuri, because of its association with the shrines.

The parade begins at 10:30 at the southern gate of the Imperial Palace, and crosses the river in front of Shimogamo Shrine at 11:15. Ceremonies are performed within the shrine for about two hours before the procession departs for Kamigamo Shrine, where the head of the parade arrives around 15:30. Watching the entire procession pass by, from beginning to end, takes about one hour.

[Justme]

It looks so beautiful, like we'd be taken into another world, into another era *___* I'd looove watching the parade once *_*

[Kiwi-Senpai]

^o^/ May 15th is my birthday~!
But wow, these pictures are amazing! And @[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] I agree! All those colourful kimonos and ancient traditions... *-* Fwaaaah! Japan will never cease to amaze me :3

[Ero Gaki]

I've heard of this and it is truly amazing. May 15 is still far, and i'm also far from Japan. T_T How i wish i could visit Aoi Matsuri. >///<