CEREMONY
Ookunitama Shrine, founded in 111 AD
The shrine has been protected by numerous warlords throughout its long history
Tokugawa Ieyasu donated 500 koku to the shrine in 1592
Zelkova trees were planted after the victory in the Battle of Sekigahara
The trees have become a row of zelkova trees, symbolizing the streets of Fuchu.
Wishing for the happiness of the daughter to be sent off to her bride-to-be
Ceremony of Red Ribbon Sashimi from Mother
To my parents who have been so kind to me
Cherish the time to greet them
Memorable Moments
From a mother to her daughter
Guided by the elegant sound of the tsuzumi drum, we step into the sacred space.
The priest performs an exorcism to purify body and soul.
A heart-felt bow to the gods
Delivering the bond to the heavens with the ancient words and spirits
Pouring the bonds of matrimony into the three cups
The vows of the fingertips to which we entrust our feelings
A vow to the future of two people in words
We will firmly mark this moment.
A tamagushi (sacred skewer) offered before the gods,
Sanken no kagashi, a ceremony of mutual exchange of sake cups
Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music) performed by taiko drums, koto, Hichichiriki, dragon flute, and sho
Urayasu no Mai (Dance of Urayasu)
Okunitama Shrine is widely known as the god of marriage.
A ritual of advancing, guided by God.
Tamagushi's ritual dedicated to the shrine,
San-san-kudo ceremony to dodge each other's sake cups.
While confirming the strength of the bond between the two
and the preciousness of love.
Now, I will firmly engrave this moment.
01.entrance ceremony
Entrance with the procession to the entrance ceremony amidst the sounds of marching drums.
02.purification rite
The priest performs a purification ceremony to cleanse the body. This is a ceremony to return to a pure mind and body, free from the stains of the mundane world.
03.first worship of the Saikyo
The Saishu, who conducts the ceremony, bows before the Gods. All the participants bow at the same time.
04.congratulatory address to the chief priest
Everyone stands up, and the Saishu announces the couple's marriage to the deity. A prayer is read in the ancient language unique to Shintoism, asking for God's blessings and blessings.
05.consecration of the sanctum sanctorum
The bride and groom take turns drinking from each of the three types of sake cups (small, medium, and large) poured by the shrine maidens three times.
06.Rite of Ring
The exchange of rings from the groom to the bride and from the bride to the groom.
07.Dancing Dedication
A celebratory dance called “Urayasu no Mai” will be offered upon request.
08.Groom and bride's vows.
The bride and groom stand and read their vows of lifelong commitment.
09.Groom and Bride's Jade Skewer Offering Sacrifice
A branch of sakaki with a paper stick attached is called a tamagushi. The bride and groom place their hearts on the tamagushi and offer it to the gods.
10.Representatives of the two families greeted each other on a jade skewer.
Proceed to the temple and worship in the same manner as above.
11.final two cups of the banquet on the first ceremonial offering of rice by the newly-enthroned emperor
final two cups of the banquet on the first ceremonial offering of rice by the newly-enthroned emperor
