Re: Hakama color in Shinto Shrines
Sashibakama (Hakama for shrine use) is cut differently (no koshita, wider himo, fewer pleats, deeper vents) than those used for Budo Training.
White is most basic and most formal color at the shrine…..people who are not Priests who are studying or helping at the shrine wear white color sashibakama and hakuii (kimono like garment) and jyuban (undergarment)
Entry level Kannushi (Shinto Priests) also wear white, as do all Priests of all ranks at certain types of Ceremonies.
Gon-negi (assistant senior priests) license + some years of work experience wear Mizu-iro Sashibakama (light blue green color)
Negi (Senior Priests) wear Murasaki Iro (purple color)
More senior priests, also negi wear purple with emblems
Tokkyu, highest rank Shinto Priest (very rare) wear white with emblems
Midori iro (green) is worn by people who are close to the shrine, graduates of some training but not shrine professionals.
Nezumi iro (grey color) is reserved for wear while conducting the Shinsosai (Shinto Funeral [Shozoku {ritual clothing} worn at funeral never returns to shrine grounds]).
At Tsubaki Kannagara Shrine people tend to wear white Hakama during Aikido Keiko as our training takes place in the haiden (public hall of shrine building).
Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu
Rev. Barrish
Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America
http://www.tsubakishrine.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Tsubakiko/