The “Saiō” is a princess of the Imperial bloodline who serves at the shrine on the emperor’s behalf.

These special princesses were chosen via divination. The princess would then spend many years undergoing a process of physical and mental purification. Because the Saiō served the gods, they led very strict lives. For instance, in lieu of taboo words such as “death,” “illness,” or “blood,” they referred to them as “healing,” “rest,” or “sweat,” respectively. Prior to the Aoi Festival, the Saiō would perform a purification ritual to prepare. They rarely left the shrine, so the Aoi Festival was a precious chance for the public to see them.

This system involving the Saiō persisted for four centuries beyond the Heian Period, except for a short time in which it ceased. The reason was due to the Imperial Court losing power toward the end of the Heian Period, and the financial difficulties they experienced left them unable to afford appointing a Saiō. Before long, they stopped appointing Chokushi as well, until the Aoi Festival was reduced to a humble occasion where the court was decorated with wild ginger leaves. However, the rituals at Kamo Shrine continued without interruption at this time. The Aoi Festival processions were restored after the arrival of peace in the Edo Period. People at the time meticulously researched historical documents and faithfully restored the customs of the Heian Period. However, there was still no Saiō at that point. During the Showa Period, women with ties to Kyoto were selected as representatives of the Saiō, or “Saiō-dai,” which led to the restoration of the Saiō-dai procession.

The Saiō-dai is clad in a twelve-layered ceremonial kimono called a “jūnihitoe,” and her hair is splendidly decorated. She is carried on a palanquin known as an “oyoyo,” while young girls accompany her, ready to help by holding the edges of her clothes while she performs the shrine rituals. Each woman’s rank is reflected by the splendor of her attire.

Once the Saiō-dai procession passes, the entire parade is over. However, the festival itself continues. What rituals take place during the Shatō-no-Gi ceremony within the shrine? Naturally, the Saiō-dai has her own role to play. Let yourself imagine the rituals as you ponder the history and traditions of the Aoi Festival.

*This guide was created based on documents and interviews and includes some interpretation done by us at ON THE TRIP. Theories differ between experts, so try to find out what really happened on your travels!

ON THE TRIP Editorial Staff
Writer: Akihito Shiga
Narration: Yūki Igarashi, Ryland Lee
Translation: Jean Paul Souki Pacheco, Kevin Rea