Today we conclude
Amethyst-chan’s Day on Bon Odori series. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I
have!
Traveling back home, I stumbled across others as they were
talking: there was another show in town.
They mentioned it was Okamisan and another shinzo from the Yukaku Ryukin. My ears perked up in excitement as I rushed
to where they were performing as I wanted to see my Okamisan perform again. Quickly gathering my kimono, I strayed
towards the place they would perform.
Here is where it got complicated; the directions were tricky
since it was dark at this time. Barely could see my hand in front of me. As I
proceeded closer to the sea, I could hear loud seagulls and saw more lanterns
in the far distance. Gathering my kimono, I came to Sengoku Ochaya and after quietly
entering in I saw a small library of scrolls; Others headed upstairs to the
upper level of the building. Following
slowly behind, I climbed the stairs and I kept going up.
There I saw Okamisan kneeling as she greeted each
visitor. I did my best not to distract
her since I knew her attention was on the guests. Either way I smiled and respectfully bowed to
her. Sneaking behind the many guests as each was sitting down at the tables
near the wide stage and spotting a free cushion next to an elegant geisha I sat
down.
The guests were sitting comfortably on their cushions and the
lanterns’ glow flickered brightly into the night as Okamisan began preparing
for the performance. The shinzo was dressed in splendid kimono with her long
sleeves flowing and Okamisan began to speak as she as was playing her shamisen. Okamisan started with explaining what the
meaning of Bon was an occassion for greeting and holding memorial services of
those that departed ancestors. On Bon
the souls are released from Yomi, the land of the dead. Our beloved descendants are able to come back
to visit as they eat. It made me wonder
what the ancestors ate. Only shaking the thought off my eyes returned back to
the stage.
The lovely shinzo was dancing as Okamisan went on to tell a
story related to the meaning of Obon. It
was one of a distraught mother as she didn't want her daughter to live a life
that she had in her past; the tale had a joyful ending though. As it was coming to an end Okamisan gave a thankful
bow to everyone for listening to the tale. I applauded for the music, the dance
and storytelling and everyone was cheering for Okamisan and the shinzo.
She and the shinzo turned to put things away. Waiting until all had left she came over to
me smiling. Bowing in respect to her and
she turned to the geisha that was sitting next to me, who smiled bowing
respectfully to Okamisan. A bit
embarrassed that I did not know, but Okamisan introduced to me her as the most
senior furisode shinzo, Rinya-san.
Wincing my eyes closed, I bowed to Rinya-san and smiling Rinya-san bowed
back to me. This was the third person I met
from the Yukaku Ryukin.
So thus this concludes my long adventurous day throughout
Bon Odori.
Thinking of all the friends I made this week, some are
really interested in and share the same fondness I have for the Japanese
culture. I do have respect for many cultures even though my heritage is not of
theirs. Still, SL has provided me this chance
to be who I want to be. I enjoy doing so
many wonderful things in SL and never once have I ever regretted it.
~Ame chan.
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