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the procession starts moving, the banner and lantern carriers head
each group, palanquin or mikoshi. Musicians and dancers accompany
each main group, as well. |
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It's
important to remember that this ceremony has changed dramatically
over the past 1,000 years. In the original ceremony, a sacred spear
was floated downriver from the shore of the shrine and a ceremony
of purification was held wherever the spear washed up on shore.
People from nearby towns and villages built boats and participated
in the ceremony to welcome the new god.
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Many of the
priests that I saw in the procession were carried on horses
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Music
is a very important part of this festival. Much of the music that
is sung or played on pipes, drums and gongs has not changed much
since the festival began. The rythms and tunes are considered sacred
in shinto tradition.
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