My good friend Haruko took me to Kyoto to see the Aoi Matsuri. It takes place each year and has been done in the same way since the 6th century. It came about when the people in the area suffered greatly from terrible storms that ravaged the area. The Emperor of the time (Emperor Kinmei) decided that the deities were angry at the people's ingratitude and impiety and caused the disaster. He sent these messengers out to the shrines to apease the deities and it worked. It is a beautiful and solemn procession from the Imperial Palace to the shrines. The weather was gorgeous and I had a great time!
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