the news is announced in the press. It is the highest honour a woman can receive in Kyoto. The Saiō-Dai is dressed in the traditional style of the Heian court. Traditional Heian court dress for women would be wearing several layers of exquisitely colored silk robes. The Saiō-Dai wears twelve layers of the traditional style robes (jūnihitoe). To maintain ritual purity, the Saiō-Dai goes through several ceremonies of purification before the procession of the festival. The Imperial Messenger leads the festival procession on horseback. During the Heian period he would be a Fifth-Rank courtier holding the office of middle or lesser captain and was usually a man destined for high office. His role was to read the imperial rescript of the shrines and present the emperor’s offerings. During the Heian period, the Saiō-Dai and the Imperial messenger would be accompanied by ten dancers and twelve musicians. Also present during the procession are guards (kebiishii), government officials, civic officials, military retainers, and a delegate from Yamashiro (Yamashiro-no-Tsukai). Also featured at the Aoi Matsuri are horse races (kurabe-uma),<ref> "Kurabe-uma," Encyclopedia of Shinto; n.b., this link incorporates streaming video of a horse race at Kamo Shrine.</ref> and demonstrations of mounted archery (yabusame). Many things in Kyoto are named after the Aoi. See also Saiō Matsuri in Ise, which is the traditional procession of the Saiō to Ise Shrine References External links Kyoto Shimbun web site (Japanese only), with various video clips of the Aoi Festival. Works cited Aoi Matsuri (2004). Retrieved from website on 20 Jan 2009 Aoi Matsuri. (2009). Retrieved from website on 20 Jan 2009 Aoi Matsuri Festival. (2007). Retrieved from website on 20 Jan 2009 Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival). (2009). Retrieved from website on 20 January 2009 Frang, M. (2002). Rites of Heritage. World & I. V.17(5): 176. Retrieved from MAS Ultra – School Edition database on 21 January 2009. Layered Look, The. (1995) Civilization''. Mar/Apr. V.2(2): 22. Retrieved from Academic Search Premiere database on 20 January 2009. Shimogamo Jinja. (2009). Retrieved from website on 21 Jan 2009 Shively, D., Hall, J., McCullough, W. (1999). The Cambridge History of Japan. Retrieved from Google Book Search on 20 Jan 2009 Festivals in Kyoto Religious festivals in Japan Tourist attractions in Kyoto May observances 1885 festivals 1953 festivals 6th-century establishments in Japan Flower festivals in Japan Parades in Japan Cultural festivals in Japan Equestrian festivals Spring (season) events in Japan