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An American couple who met through
their martial arts training recently had a Shinto wedding ceremony
conducted for them in New York City by Rev. Setsuko Umeda, from
ISF Tokyo Office.
At the Chapel of the Church Center for the United Nations, the
Bride, Ms. Marcia L. Young and the Groom, Mr. Ismael Rodriguez
tied a marriage bow on November 20, 2000.
How this unique ceremony had been realized? Please refer to
the follwoing bride's statement. |
Ismael has been studying Traditional Japanese
Self Defense under Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura in his Genbukan
Ninpo Federation for many years. In 1994 I joined Ismael in
his Bay Ridge, Brooklyn school, (Niji Dojo), to begin my study
of the true Traditional Japanese Martial Arts. At first it was
a form of exercise for myself, but as the years passed, I began
to study in depth the art and also the religion that stood behind
it. On our visit to Japan in 1997, Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura
took us to many temples, both Shinto and Buddhist. I began to
realize how closely related this art of Ninpo and Shintoism
was. Since Genbukan Ninpo has become a way of life for both
of us, and being taht Shintoism is the core of this art, in
our interpretation, we feel that a Shinto Wedding would be the
suitable ceremony for us. We believe that Shintoism is a way
of life; helping where help is needed; teaching those in search
of direction; motivating those in need of encouragement; and
teaching Ninpo to all who seek it.
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The obi which Bride Ms.Marcia was wearing
seemed to be very painful.
A red long-sleeved kimono shined very much and looked wonderful.
Please inform us to the ISF
secretariat if interested in a Shinto wedding ceremony.
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Although the
weather forecast had predicted snow showers, a beautiful autumn
day welcomed the newly wed couple and about 30 guests.
After Norito prayers were recited and wedding rings were exchanged,
the couple, dressed in Kimono and Hakama, read their wedding
vows and offered Tamagushi to Shinzen.
At the end of ceremony, their two families had Omiki to tie
their relationship as one family.
An image of the lower part is a report of a wedding ceremony.
(An image changes every about 10 seconds.)
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As they come from a non-Japanese background, having a Shinto
wedding must be different experience for the couple, what to
speak of their families. However, Marcia and Ismael's strong
faith in Shinto made this ceremony successful. All who attended
the ceremony prayed for their bright future.
The ceremony was conducted
by Rev. Setsuko Umeda, assisted by Reina Hayashibara and Hiromi
Saruta as Shrine Maidens (Miko). ISF Director-General Yoshimi
Umeda was the Master of Ceremonies.
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