A reminder that tomorrow (Mon 28th) will be the harvest full moon, traditionally celebrated by the Japanese as the most beautiful of the year. There are lots of moon viewing parties, which in the past consisted of poetry making while sipping saké and admiring the reflection in a specially crafted cup. Japanese love of beauty at its best.
Miko doing kagura with sakaki branch
One shrine that puts on a wonderful celebration is Kyoto’s Shimogamo Jinja, with musical performances of koto, shakuhachi and other traditional instruments. In one corner the tea ceremony is put on, sometimes there is a demonstration of junihitoe (twelve-layered kimono) while there is usually a dance performance of some sort too. It’s all tastefully done, and as the moon ascends from behind the trees of the Tadasu Wood there’s a murmur of delight from the assembled throng. One of those magical Japanese moments not to be missed.
Happy harvest moon viewing, one and all!
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Click here for a full account of a previous full moon festival at Shimagamo Shrine, or here for an account of a different year.
There’s also a previous description of the harvest moon festival at Kamigamo Shrine.
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