Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Photo Essay: The Ladies of Gushiken at the Shinigu 2012


These ten photos give a quick peek at what can be seen during the Gushiken Shinigu.


The elderly women wear the ribbon in their hair with the knot facing forward.


Young ladies have the knot tied behind their heads.


After doing a few dances on lower terrain, up the hill they went.


Drum-beating, songs, dance and worship take place on a spot below a sacred site.


No men are allowed to go up the stairs to the Utaki. 


So, you won't see any photos of what takes place up there.


The top of a water tower was made available to capture this photo.


Here, the ladies are facing the East China Sea.


There isn't a happier, healthier bunch of gals anywhere I've ever traveled.










2 comments:

Map It! Okinawa said...

Great job Mike on capturing this.
Hope to make there next year!

Lou

RyukyuMike said...

Lou,
Thanks. And you better make it next year. Stay in shape. Some of those gals continue partying and dancing 'til the wee hours of the morning.