Miko

Miko (巫女) are women in the service of Shinto shrines. The translation of Miko is "Woman of God" (chosen by, or totally devoted to, the gods), but the closest meaning is "shrine maiden". In Shinto, there are priestesses; but Miko are not priestesses, because they have less authority. However, they can act as priestesses if needed. They usually help Shintoist priests.

Miko at a Shintoist wedding ceremony.

Other websites

• Odamachi:Miko, Shinto Shrine Maidens Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine