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Ungami the Okinawa Sea Festival

Sunday, 16 September 2007

Spiritually, Okinawans believe that man and woman are tied eternally to the heavens and the sea. This belief is what ties together many of their festivals, spiritual holidays, and annual celebrations. In northern Okinawa the honoring of this spiritual concept can be seen played out during the Ungami Festival--which honors the god of the sea. Un(ocean) Gami(god)

During ancient times priestesses would congregate naked during the conclusion of this festival. Though, today the priestesses are seen clothed before Ungami begins, and again when it concludes. The day starts very early as the women form in groups, drinking their homemade wine, which is a type of plum wine. They parade the streets dancing with a fervor spirit, dancing with large sake bottles on their heads, drumming, and reaching out to the sky. Eventually the women make their way into the water chanting while the men race dragon boats across the sea. This honoring of the god of the sea is said to bring a good harvest to this Okinawan fishing village.

Okinawa Ungami Photos

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Okinawa Prints

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Ogimi Village Map

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