We live in the 21st century and pretty much most of the agricultural processes are done mechanically. If you live in the countryside, you are fortunate to be able to see rice planting done by humans. It's a ritual ceremony organized by a countryside shrine.
In Nikko city, Moritomo Takino Shrine (森友瀧尾神社) is known for having the biggest shimenawa (注連縄) in Tochigi Prefecture. Shimenawa is made of rice straw shaped to look like two ropes tangled together. Shimenawa is supposed to keep the evil spirits away from sacred grounds.
Moritomo Takino Shrine owns rice fields where the straw for a big shimenawa comes from every year. Shimenawa is exchanged for a new one in December.
This is an entry for Show Me Japan Vol 1, Issue 26. If you want to see nice photos taken in Japan, don't forget to visit!!!
Very interesting and good photos!
ReplyDeleteYes, agricultural work is never easy.
I like the colorful clothing and the scary mask very much.
Have a nice Sunday!
So much color and so vibrant!
ReplyDeleteThe back facing mask - was the wearer taking a break from wearing it or was it done on purpose?
I love the brilliant color in these images as well as the story they tell. Visiting your blog always make me wish I could get on a plane and see these things for myself. Your photos are the next best thing!
ReplyDeleteKat
I love seeing Japanese traditions such as this rice planting. One of the many things I love about Japan.
ReplyDeleteRice is more than staple food in Japan. Rice is the foundation of our daily life. It is wonderful if I can see people planting young rice in a paddy field. Beautiful and nostalgic photos.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend!
I'm so glad I see your posts again...
ReplyDeleteI say it again, maybe this is the secret of your succes: the keeping of your traditions and customs alive...
thank you
Your colors are so brilliant and such a contrast to the b/w header. I'm heading over to the Show Me Japan link now. Happy Saturday.
ReplyDeleteWow, these are really lovely :)
ReplyDeletelove the colour, can i ask you an ignorant question? is there leeches in there?
ReplyDeletei am planning to visit osaka & kyoto end this year :)
Fantastic photos!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful color images. Your posts are fascinating Yoshi.
ReplyDeletethis is so very interesting Yoshi. I love these peeks into your world. I especially love the first photo in the rice field. it's a wonderful, heartwarming photo that's really beyond description.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures :)
ReplyDeleteFabulous, they are all so colourful, I love the top one she looks almost out of an editorial:) Fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI seem to have missed the time of your comeback. It's so nice to see your post again. Photos of "saotome", thick twisted shimenawa, and the man are vibrant in colors.
ReplyDeleteI've been unable to post a comment to some people with my Google Account.
What a fascinating post. I loved reading as I know so little about the japanese traditions and culture. The first photo of the girl is beautiful. This ceremony must me very meaningful for all generations. Yes, it was PSE9 I used in my flower post...you were right. It is such fun to experiment with. Genie
ReplyDelete