Podcasts Culture Hello From Nihon 30: The History Of The Shishimai dance (Japanese Lion Dance) and Shintoism

30: The History Of The Shishimai dance (Japanese Lion Dance) and Shintoism

Published: July 31, 2019, 2 p.m.

 The Shishimai dance is an old Japanese tradition that dates back several hundred years.   Shishimai serve many purposes, they ward off evil spirits, they provide health and luck to the people of the community and much much more. 

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Plus the Shishimai showdown dance represents the dueling nature of the male and female forces found in nature.  This particular Shishimai dance and festival is in the southern area of Japan known as Izuka.   

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The Shishimai perform a symbolic biting of the children to promote health and good luck.