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斎王 (さいおう, saiou) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

斎さい王おう

Meanings

1

unmarried imperial princess serving at Ise or Kamo Shrine

historical term

Historical term for an unmarried imperial princess who served as a priestess at the Ise Grand Shrine or Kamo Shrine on behalf of the Emperor.

斎さい王おうは、天皇てんのうの代かわりに伊い勢せ神じん宮ぐうに仕つかえた未み婚こんの皇こう女じょである。
The Saiō was an unmarried imperial princess who served at the Ise Grand Shrine in place of the Emperor.

Kanji

斎purification, Buddhist food, room
王king, rule, magnate

Etymology

From 斎 (purification, abstinence) and 王 (king, prince), referring to a royal person dedicated to ritual purity. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.