June 17 and 18
Lily Festival
The ancient Shinto festival of the Cleansing Lily originated from the need to dispel early summer downpours that would invariably lead to flooding. The lily stalks were gathered at dawn by seven maidens wearing white robes. The stalks were taken to local shrines for blessing. The flowers stayed in these temples overnight, during which time they were prayed over by the priests. Early the next morning, ing, a procession led by the maidens walked through the town’s streets, waving the lilies to attract moisture-free weather.
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