Saiō
human_specialist earth Shinto single tradition · 1
The Saiō were female members of the Imperial House of Japan who served as the chief priestess of Ise Shrine from the late 7th century until the 14th century. The first saiō to serve at the shrine was Princess Ōku, daughter of Emperor Tenmu, during the Asuka period. The saiō system ended during the turmoil of the Nanboku-chō period.
When
- First attested
- 600 CE
- Attested period
- 600 – 1300
- Historical notes
- Served as chief priestess of Ise Shrine.
Sources
wikipedia (1)
Source passages
“From the late 7th century until the 14th century, the role of chief priestess of Ise Shrine was carried out by a female member of the Imperial House of Japan known as a Saiō. According to the Man'yōshū, the first saiō to serve at the shrine was Princess Ōku, daughter of Emperor Tenmu, during the Asuka period”
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