One by one...

Another Shrine visit again. 大阪天満宮 (Osaka Tenmangu). I tried to recall my memories many time if I ever visited this shrine or not, but I couldn't recall any light of memories that I did. 

This is one of the famous shines in Osaka where we can receive a blessing of academic subjects from the God worshiped in this shrine. Many who wish to pass exams such as enrolling in high school, or collage and university. 

I saw so many 絵馬 (Ema) with a wish written on it being attached to a rope. I was just wondering if it is for the God not to miss any of people's wish, and probably takes care of it one by one. 

Since it was a Saturday, many people were visiting the shrine, and an event of 猿回し (Sarumawashi/Trained monkey's performance) was specially taking place there as well. Very joyful and cheerful atmosphere. 

I wanted to greet the God at the main alter first, but many people were making a ques. Everyone could've been scattered surrounding the shrine for prayers, but many people were daringly waiting for their turns in an uprightness manner in the ques. 

Even if a Shrine priest asked them to be scattered, people unconsciously made another line after 5 or 10 minutes. Very Japanese!!!

I went there because an 盆栽 (Bonsai) exhibition of 梅 (Ume) was taking place in the shrine. However I found a 梅 (Ume) tree with lovely reddish pink blossoms in front of the exhibition building, and I started taking photos. 

Well, I was satisfied enough only with this one, and so I didn't feel going inside the exhibition any more. It must've been a very gorgeous 盆栽 (Bonsai) exhibition, anyway. 

I Relatively often bumped into the moments of special prayers conducted by Shrine Priests, Shrines maidens' dancing, or Shrine Wedding Ceremonies every time I visit shrines. Some says, since it is rare to bump into these Shrine ceremonies, it may be a sign of the Gods welcoming us to the shrine. 

And so I take it positively that the God is welcoming me every time I bump into the ceremonies. 

A young Japanese couple were having a traditional Shrine ceremony with the relatives and close friends and acquaintances invitees. The couple wanted to invited all of their lovely friends, but they couldn't because of the capacity. 

Their friends who couldn't attend the ceremony were gently watching over the ceremony going on outside. After all of the ceremony was done, they were all together in a memorial photo. 

How beautiful....!

This couple are really fortunate enough to have beautiful friends. 

I wish them a happy life ever after!

Anyway, my life is always led to right places and people one by one...

Masami