The rainy season ends and it starts to get really hot in July.
\nIn Kyoto, summer events that have been held since ancient times are still cherished and enjoyed by many people.
\nThis time, we will introduce one of them,Mitarashi Festival.<\/p>\n
This festival is held every year around the end of July at Shimogamo Shrine, a World Heritage Site.
\nIt is also known as the “Leg-Dipping Ritual” (Ashitsuke Shinji), where people visit the shrine to pray for good health and to purify both body and mind.<\/p>\n
The most distinctive feature of the festival is the ritual where visitors enter the sacred Mitarashi Pond barefoot.
\nVisitors dip their feet in the cool water and place a lit candle on a stand in the center of the pond.
\nThrough this act, one prays for cleansing oneself of evildoings and for good health and purity of mind.<\/p>\n
As an aside, the name of the rice dumplings called “Mitarashi dango” comes from this festival.
\nIt is said that during this season, people’s minds and bodies are easily thrown off balance, so purifying the body with this water seems to have great significance.<\/p>\n
The festival is also said to be the origin of the name of the sweet called “mitarashi dango,” which are rice dumplings said to be inspired by the bubbles that rise in the pond.
\nThese treats are sold within the shrine grounds during the festival,and it seems like it would be fun to eat mitarashi dango after praying.<\/p>\n
The festival is lively and fun during the day, but we recommend going at night.
\nThe candlelights are reflected in the water of the pond, creating a truly magical sight.
\nIt’s a wonderful way to spend a summer evening quietly reflecting on yourself.<\/p>\n\n\t\t