Miko

Modern miko in Meiji Shrine, Tokyo, in 2000

A miko (巫女), or shrine maiden,[1][2] is a young priestess[3] who works at a Shinto shrine. Miko were once likely seen as shamans,[4] but are understood in modern Japanese culture to be an institutionalized[5] role in daily life, trained to perform tasks, ranging from sacred cleansing[4] to performing the sacred Kagura dance.[6]

  1. ^ Groemer, 28.
  2. ^ Aston, 101
  3. ^ North-China herald, 571
  4. ^ a b Picken, 140.
  5. ^ Groemer, 29.
  6. ^ Hearn, 246