The Aoi Festival includes the “Rotō-no-Gi” and “Shatō-no-Gi” ceremonies. You are all currently watching the former, which roughly translates to “Road Ceremony” – a grand parade of 500 people clad in Heian-Period costumes. The main parade is composed of four processions led by the “Konoe,” or Imperial emissary, as well as the “Saiō-dai” procession, featuring the “Saiō,” the role of an Imperial princess serving as envoy to the Emperor. Far from a simple march, the parade is a Shinto ritual unto itself – part of a greater, sacred ceremony.

When the parade arrives at Shimogamo and Kamigamo shrines, the “Shatō-no-Gi,” or “Shrine Ceremony” takes place. An envoy relays the Emperor’s message and grants material offerings to the gods. Other Shinto rites follow, including traditional music and dance, and horseback performances. Every person in each procession has their role, and every role has its own meaning, forming pieces of a greater narrative. You might uncover that tale yourself – if only the Shatō-no-Gi was open to the general public. Alas, it is an exclusive Shinto ceremony. Still, we encourage you to imagine each of the participants’ roles while you take in the Rotō-no-Gi.

Take, for example, the high-ranking figure on horseback, and the servants who follow, carrying a box. The box holds shoes and other sundries meant for use inside the shrine during the Shatō-no-Gi. Indeed, even the props hold meaning. Every piece, big and small, is crucial to the whole.