KYOTO, May 04 (News On Japan) –
At Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, the normal Yabusame (horseback archery) ritual was carried out on Saturday, with riders galloped throughout a 500-meter stretch at full pace whereas aiming arrows at targets, praying for the protection of the upcoming Aoi Matsuri, considered one of Kyoto’s three main festivals.
This historical apply, deeply rooted in Shinto custom, is meant to show the archer’s prowess and to honor the gods, typically carried out throughout particular ceremonies and festivals to deliver peace and prosperity.
The archer, clad within the conventional looking apparel of the samurai class which features a distinctive, flowing gown referred to as a tachi-e or jinbaori, rides a horse alongside a straight monitor about 255 meters lengthy. The aim is to hit three picket targets, every a few meter sq., positioned alongside the monitor at intervals. The archer should draw and shoot in fast succession because the horse sprints at full pace, which requires immense ability and focus.
Yabusame archers use a particular kind of bow, which is bigger and extra curved than these utilized in Kyudo (Japanese archery) and the arrows, typically ceremonially adorned, are tipped with a rounded, blunt head to make a loud sound upon hitting the targets.
The Aoi Festival is about to happen on May 15.
Source: MBS