Sanuki no Suke’s Diary: Memories of the Imperial Palace (5)

 

     October 11th is the day of the purification ceremony for the Daijo-e (Great Thanksgiving Festival). People and provisions from all provinces flood into the capital, and the air is thick with final preparations.

     On the day of the actual festival, Fujiwara Nagazane arrives to style the young Emperor's hair. The Minister of the Interior rolls up the blinds of the breakfast room, while the Regent takes his seat on the threshold. Standing on the veranda is Fujiwara Akitaka, striking in his crimson court robe, efficiently directing the entire proceedings.

     As the Emperor’s hair styling is nearing completion, a court official hurries in and reports:

"The new Emperor's adoptive mother, Princess Reishi, has arrived."

The Regent calmly replies, "Understood. Proceed with the ceremony."

     Thus, the ultimate preparations are complete, and the Princess and her retinue stand waiting, arrayed in their magnificent, multi-layered robes.