In the Japanese traditional lunar calendar, the tenth month is called Kannazuki.  As for where the name came from, there are several theories, but perhaps the most widely accepted is that, in this month, Shinto deities (eight million of them) disappeared from all of Japan.  Kan (gods) - na (without) - zuki (month), therefore, is known as the month without gods.

So where were they?  Every year, they were believed to be meeting in a remote town of Izumo at its Grand Shrine.  Understandably, in Izumo, the tenth month is called Kamiarizuki, the month with gods.

I painted one of the first buildings you will see as you enter the shrine site.  The shimenawa ropes of braided rice straw are fairly common in shinto rituals in Japan, but the ones hung in front here at Izumo are so immense they are not like anything you've ever seen before.  They mean this is a sacred place and evil spirits are to be warded off.

Click to see my other Izumo paintings: Izumo, Japan I, Izumo, Japan II, Izumo, Japan III, Canal (Izumo, Japan).

Media: Original watercolor
Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 in. (on 9 x 12 in. paper)
Purchase: Sold