Miyajima Dance Night 踊りの夕べ

Published on : 17/07/2017
by : K.C.

Origins

The tradition of Miyajima dance, Odori no yûbe , has been passed down for 500 years. It would stem from the Obon dance , which the Japanese perform at festivals that take place this season, in honor of the souls of the deceased.

Read : The Obon period in Japan

Legend has it that 500 years ago, pirates from Iyo (Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku Island) anchored in Miyajima. A violent storm erupted and many pirates died there. After this incident, when boats ventured out to sea, it was common for sailors to encounter the ghosts of the missing. It is to appease the spirits that the dance of Miyajima was created.

Torii of Itsukushima shrine in Miyajima — The torii of Itsukushima shrine in Miyajima, seen at night

Fred

When the Japanese have been dancing since the dawn of time

Miyajima Dance Night takes place two consecutive evenings on Mikasahama Beach and up to Itsukushima Shrine, a few days after the Obon Festival.

The Miyajima dance takes place on two consecutive nights , a few days after the Obon ends, on Mikasahama Beach in Miyajima. It has been classified as an Intangible Cultural Property of the city of Hatsukaichi .

Read also : The beaches of Hiroshima

Traditionally, dancers are required to wear a flat straw hat concealing their face, as well as a black haori.

In addition to the Miyajima dance ( Miyajima odori no yûbe ), four dance styles are reproduced there , including the Ampang dance, the Shamoji dance, all of them are quite close to the Obon dance.

Also discover : Awa odori, the queen of dances

La danse de Miyajima est traditionnellement dansée dans une tenue noire et un chapeau de paille dissimulant le visage.

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