Miko

At the beginning of this month, I worked for a shrine as a Miko(巫女). Miko is a shrine maiden and you can see temporary Miko working for ceremonies and selling amulets in this season. They are usually high school or university students like me. Last year, one of my friends asked me to work together at a shrine. Miko is kind of popular job among young girls. After seeing the old year out, many of people come to shrines or temple. This is called Hatsumoude(初詣), the first shrine/temple visit. So most of shrines take in girls to operate smoothly during the New Year holiday. I was a bit curious about working as a Miko. You know, the costume is attractive for some reason

The work was fun. I wore a red Hakama, long skirt and a white Haori, kimono jacket and fixed my hair with white ribbon. To be exact, the Hakama is vermilion which is thought a color to ward off evil spirits. I sort of felt like I got a something spiritual power:)) I sold amulets and helped Shinto priest with prayer all day long. I knelt for so long and bruised on my knee but I'm sure it was really a precious experience in my life