Takasago : PhotoStory

It is early spring. Tomonari, a Shinto priest from Aso Shrine in Kyushu, is traveling to the capital. Along the way, he visits Takasago-no-ura in Harima Province.

The evening bell rings out. In the spring breeze, an old man and woman appear together.They have an air of purity.

Tomonari asks the old couple about the historic pine of Takasago. They are sweeping clean the area in the shadow of the tree.

The old couple say that the pine of Takasago and the pine of Sumiyoshi, which are separated by sea, are known as the Aioi-no-matusu (Paired Pines).

The old man praises the pine. which thrives evergreen. He goes on to speak deeply of the flourishing of the world of poetry, which continues auspiciously in the present age.

“The pine holds its deep green, even in the morning frost, and the fallen needles are also without end,” he says, showing the needles they have collected.

The world is praised and blessed. The old couple reveal that they are the spirits of the Paired Pines. Saying they should meet again in Sumiyoshi, the home of the man, the old couple leave on a boat.

Tomonari follows to Sumiyoshi. In the form of a young man, Sumiyoshi Deity appears before him.

Under the clear spring moon in the dead of night, Sumiyoshi Deity dances a purifying dance of the gods

Every time a sleeve is reversed, a feeling of purity fills the area and spreads outward.

The dance drives away demons. The dances Senshuraku and Manzauraku guide people to long life and invite happiness.

Together with the dance, enjoy the voice of the wind blowing through the pines.