Miko are young workers in Japanese shrines.(18 - 30 years old)
They have lots of things to do.
Cleaning,Reception,Preparation for Shinto ceremonies,Dance performance for ceremony,
Making guide brochures,Amulets and gifts for guests...etc.
Important thing is their hair.
They have long,original black color hair to catch nature god's divinity.
Hair become a perch tree for gods.
This is called YORISHIRO phenomenon and it is very important Shinto concept.
Japanese language is really interesting.
There are many words that have same sounds.
髪 Ka→mi↘ (Hair)
神 Ka↗mi (God or Gods)
Pronunciations are different but these words have a strong similarity.
I'd say Yorishiro phenomenon is a kind of temporary possession by invisible spirits(Both good or bad).
Of course your body is also Yorishiro.
Any things what have shape become a visiting place for
We need to take care of hair very well.
Many good or bad spirits approach our body,especially our hair.
To invite good spirit,you need to be a good person.
And keep clean hair.(Wash your hair every night)
Meanwhile,Buddhist monks shave their head.
They don't need hair because they are not shaman.
And buzz-cut style prevent bad possession during zen meditation.
Frequent hair-cut is recommended for your inspiration.
Long hair is not good for hot-tempered or negative person.
Please don't dye your natural beautiful hair with chemical dyes.
Scalp is connected to your genital organ.
Hair dye may cause women's diseases.
In ancient time,Miko meant a imperial princess and top shaman of whole Japan.
Grand shrine of ISE was established by an imperial princess,Yamato-Hime in ancient time.
Miko's hair is needed to tied with "Flashy" accessory.
Because shiny and bright hair/head accessories prevent spiritual possession by evils.
5 colors or more colorful accessories are the best.
Gorgeous
Color sample↓
Shiny jewelry is highly recommended for girls and women.
Female is easily possessed by something because she has a container as womb/uterus.
Never use human hair wig. Many human hair wigs are made of dead people's hair
and other's hair is not good for your original-energy.
By the way,ancient original Japanese had curly hair and they needed to updo hair styles.
Top priest of Shinto shrine is called Kan-Nushi.
Look at his black hat.It is Yorishiro for priest men.
This is a Japanese men's official and noble fashion.
Nature god visit his head when he do Shinto ritual.
Some Bridegrooms put these clothes at Japanese orthodox style wedding.
Sumo wrestler's hair style is also Yorishiro of Shinto.
Sumo is sacred performance in nature worship,Shinto.
Yorishiro for "memorial ritual for ancestor" is
a thick paper board called Tanzaku.
You write your family name on it and it become a substitute for you or your family.
And Tanzaku must be set up-straight.
Side view.
