A miko (巫女), or shrine maiden, [1][2] is a young priestess [3] who works at a Shinto shrine. Miko were once likely seen as shamans, [4] but are understood in modern Japanese culture to be an institutionalized [5] role in daily life, trained to perform tasks ranging from sacred cleansing [4] to performing the sacred Kagura dance. [6]

May 13, 2019 · Around Japanese Shinto shrines, it is not uncommon to discover the silhouette of a young girl busy with maintenance tasks. The Miko, their name, are an integral part of the Japanese ancestral cult and one of the emblems of the Shinto religion.

May 14, 2020 · Miko is the term for the young women wearing red and white that serve the Shinto deities by working at shrines across Japan. Learn the origins of the miko role, their appearance and apparel, and how one becomes a miko.

Jun 14, 2024 · In the enchanting world of Japanese Shinto tradition, miko shrine maidens stand as iconic figures, bridging the gap between the earthly and divine realms. These young women, adorned in their distinctive red and white attire, have played a significant role in Japanese spirituality for centuries.

Mar 23, 2015 · Miko are shrine maidens who play an important role in the rituals and operation of a Shinto Shrine. The term Miko is difficult to translate. "Shrine maiden" is the most common English term that's used.

Miko clothing (巫女装束, miko shōzoku) is the clothing worn by miko (shrine maidens) at Shinto shrines. There are no universal specifications for miko clothing and each Shinto shrine uses clothing based on its own traditions.

巫女 (miko) or 神子 (fujo) are women who mainly serve the gods of Yamato (Japan). In ancient times, their role was to get the messages of the gods (oracles) and convey them to other people, but in the modern age it has changed to a role in shrines served by women.

Feb 22, 2022 · In Japanese, Miko is usually written with the characters “middle” and “female” as 巫女. However, it can also be referred to as 神子 written with the characters for “god” and “child”. Miko wear a white robe known as a hakui with a red hakama known as a hibakama .

Jul 27, 2011 · Normally dressed in red hakama (trousers) and a white haori (jacket), miko assist ceremonies and participate in sacred dances in shrines of all sizes throughout Japan. Small shrines may have only one miko, while larger shrines …

May 11, 2023 · In ancient Japan, miko received messages from the kami and often held positions of religious and political authority. The role of miko began to change after Confucianism and Buddhism were introduced to Japan. Although miko are still around, the position has become more institutionalized.