Post 3/4
1. [Beautiful Japan] HIROSHIMA Kagura Dance
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3OsFHWWKe8[/media]
Short video, with calm music and voice over providing a meaningful introduction.
The subtitles to the narration - which starts half-way through - are as follows. Note that the title-casing of "God" and "Gods" are as in original subtitles:
The youtube video description is:
2. Suwa Shrine:
[media]http://youtube.com/watch?v=7rhxiksVI84[/media]
Video description at youtube:
1. [Beautiful Japan] HIROSHIMA Kagura Dance
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3OsFHWWKe8[/media]
Short video, with calm music and voice over providing a meaningful introduction.
The subtitles to the narration - which starts half-way through - are as follows. Note that the title-casing of "God" and "Gods" are as in original subtitles:
Quote:Gods and People together in celebration: Kagura(Even the above description shows how the Kami are very close to the human and other animal Shintos, and that this sacred communion between the ethnic Shinto Japanese and their Gods is a profound reality in Japan.)
Kagura, the traditional song and dance, comes from a word that means "seat of God", the place in which a God was supposed to become present.
When suitably entertained, the God is pleased.
The spirit is invigorated when summoned, appeased, and rocked.
It is thought that people, too, gain in vitality when they enjoy themselves together with a God.
For a thousand years and more, entertaining the Gods has meant a sharing in the joy of life.
A celebration invoking the Gods, when they and the people become one.
A celebration invoking the Gods, when they and the people enjoy themselves together.
In this dance is the unchanging joy in welcoming the Gods.
In this is the real 'beautiful Japan'.
Utsukushiki-nippon
The youtube video description is:
Quote:Published on Apr 14, 2013
Kagura Dance
A traditional art of Japan brings mortal and immortal together in a celebration of life
The traditional performance of kagura offered at shrine festivals and rites is derived from the word 'kamukura' or 'kamikura', a 'seat of God' expressing the belief that each shrine is a holy place. To the music of flutes, drums, and other ancient instruments, the dancers entice the God to this seat, and it is in these moments when one's sense of being alive is at its highest.
Kagura also traces its history back to Japanese mythology. When Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, hid herself away in a heavenly cave, the Goddess Amenouzume began to dance in front of the cave, and the laughter of the watching immortals drew the Sun Goddess back out of the darkness. This is believed to be the beginning of kagura dance. Due to its proximity to Shimane Prefecture or land of this Izumo mythology, kagura thrives in the north of Hiroshima Prefecture, where even children form kagura dance groups.
The gentle swaying of the dance entertains the Gods as mortal and immortal join in a celebration of life.
The vitality and hospitality of our ancestors lives on in this kagura dance.
2. Suwa Shrine:
[media]http://youtube.com/watch?v=7rhxiksVI84[/media]
Video description at youtube:
Quote:Powerful Kagura dance - Nanazumai - Culture of Japan
(Nanatsumai)
Powerful Kagura dance - Nakano Nanazumai
traditional art of Japan "Nanazumai"
Super dynamic Kagura dance
Iwaizumi , Iwate , Japan
I shot this Nanazumai video in Kitakami-city of Japan at Suwa shrine 1200 years festival.