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A remote, closed village centered on the so-called "Kuze Shrine" still holds a "ceremony" based on oral tradition. It has been passed down to the present by the "Kuze family."

While collecting information, I was allowed in as a visitor to the Kuze village. Following is a story I heard there. Just as I thought, they hold a ceremony here related to the "tattoo". "The Sleeping Priestess" is a song they sing during this ceremony.

Here the song is called "The Handmaiden's Song" and at the tattoo engraving ceremony, it is sung to subdue the priestess when she receives the "Holly".

The "Holly" comes from the tree of the same name. The word is thought to derive from the word "ache".

I asked to see the actual ceremony, but I was refused as males are prohibited from the "Kuze Shrine" where the ceremony is held.

"The Handmaiden's Song" has a hidden verse not in "The Sleeping Priestess".

But the person who knew the meaning has already passed away and even within the Kuze family, an explicit meaning has not been passed down.

It is mere hypothesis, but I will attempt to interpret these lyrics.

"The Sleeping Priestess: Verse Three"

Go to the other side

Go to the other side

Cast the boat, Take a ride

Further and further to the other side

it must sail bearing your tattoos

And our offering of tears

The opening "Sleep, child" changes to "Be off to the other side," and the song develops from there.

In fact, this verse does not once mention the word "sleep," but focuses only on travelling to the allegorical "other side."

Perhaps this implies the Priestess will be sent away somewhere.

The "rift" to the "other side" seems to signify some sort of passageway between this world and the other world -- the so-called "spirit world."

If the line "Bearing your tattoos" refers to the "sacred marks" in Verse 1, then the tears are an offering in this rite.

These words signal a final farewell.

Was this last verse sung when the priestess wearing the bib was sent off to "the other side"?

Does this song signify human sacrifice, or is it a song of gratitude to the priestess, who bears the tattoos and passes away? I cannot determine which until I see the actual ceremony.