斎王 · さいおう · priesthood

Saiō

Imperial princess priestess of Ise Shrine.

Definition

The Saiō, or Saigū, was an imperial princess who served at Ise Shrine as a high priestess, closely linked to the divine worship of Amaterasu. This position was often bestowed upon the daughter of the emperor and involved performing rituals, managing the shrine, and embodying purity and spiritual significance. The Saiō played a crucial role in enhancing the religious prestige of Ise Shrine throughout history.

Etymology

Saiō comes from 'sai', meaning 'purity', and 'ō', meaning 'king', signifying a royal connection to divine worship.