If you have been following this blog lately you know that I have been posting about our lengthy cruise around Asia. I made a statement that we had perfect weather the entire trip. Well the rain finally did catch up with us at our last stop.Tokyo
That did not keep us from going on our final excursion. The first stop was another Shinto Shrine where the rain let up momentarily. This beautiful Torii is the gate into the shrine. It is the passage way from the secular world to the scared world. You should always enter to one side leaving the center for the gods to enter.....
but wait! you must cleanse yourself at the Temizuya fountain....always cleansing your right hand first.Oops, Tom appears to be starting with his left.
There weren't a lot of tourist about due to the weather,
although there were, again, small children in traditional dress being escorted in to be blessed with good health. This little girl was arriving with her grandmothers.
All of a sudden, seemingly out of nowhere, a traditional wedding procession appeared.The bride wearing the Wataboshi (wedding hood) and being shaded by a red paper umbrella. The umbrella is very symbolic in these weddings and is always red. Red means life, and also wards off evil.
We were told that western style weddings are becoming more and more popular in Japan, the trend escalated after the wedding of Charles and Princess Diana, so we felt elated that we were able to view the traditional wedding party entering the shrine.
We were also taken into the center of Tokyo where the heavy rains returned...and we chose to stay dry in a cozy coffee shop before returning to the ship. Early the next morning we headed back to the USA... ready to return home, but thankful for such a wonderful trip.
We were also taken into the center of Tokyo where the heavy rains returned...and we chose to stay dry in a cozy coffee shop before returning to the ship. Early the next morning we headed back to the USA... ready to return home, but thankful for such a wonderful trip.
Such a wonderful trip Janey. Since it is unlikely that I'll get there now with all my phobias 😉 I enjoyed your trip very much. What a delight it must have been to witness the traditional wedding, talk about right time right place! I am lucky I guess that I traveled a lot before the fear took over and seriously I will fly again.. after I've seen a hypnotherapist 😉
ReplyDeleteBtw you made me laugh out loud with your comment on my post today, I suspect I might have done the same 😀
The shrine architecture fascinates me. So different.
ReplyDeleteI'd be inclined to go with the left, simply as I'm left handed.
I loved to read about your wonderful trip in such excotic countries. So interessting to read about and see thebeautiful photos. So nice you saw that bride in her traditional costume!
ReplyDeleteLovely to see the wedding - it would be a shame if they became too westernised with their wedding outfits - I think that they should stick to their own traditions in the way that this couple have.
ReplyDeleteDearest Marianne,
ReplyDeleteLet's say that the Japanese wedding couple got a special 'blessing' from the heavens. You were oh so lucky for viewing these very special traditional Japanese wedding costumes. No Western design could outdo this!
Sending you hugs,
Mariette