Deities Top Menu
Onmark Homepage

 Animal Guardians
A pair of Shishi (lion-dogs; also called Koma-inu) traditionally stand guard outside the gates of Japanese Shinto shrines. In contrast, Buddhist temples are typically guarded by the Nio Protectors, although it is not uncommon to find Shishi guarding temples as well. Furthermore, on the eaves of both shrine and temple roofs, one can frequently find carvings of this mythical beast. As guardians outside the shrine gate, one shishi is depicted with its mouth open (to scare off demons) and the other with its mouth closed (to shelter and keep in the good spirits). Another traditional explanation for the open/closed mouth relates to Ah and Un ("Ah" is the first letter in the Japanese alphabet and "Un" is the last, just as in Sanskrit). The combination is said to symbolically represent birth and death. This mythical and magical beast was probably introduced to Japan from China and/or Korean in the 7th or 8th century AD, during the same period as Buddhism's transmission to Japan, for the Japanese shishi combines elements of both the Korean "Koma-inu" (Korean dog) and Chinese "Kara-shishi" (Chinese lion). (Unconfirmed research -- if the female shishi has a scroll in its mouth, then you know that you are in an Inari shrine).

At Inari Shrines (those dedicated to the god/goddess of agriculture), the shrine is typically guarded by two Kitsune (fox), one at the left and one at the right. The fox are messengers of Inari.

 Torii (Gate)

 Shinto gates at private home in Kamakura

Below text about Shinto Torii (gates) courtesy of:
www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/t/torii.htm 
Although there are an infinite variety of torii named for unique characteristic, or for the name of the shrine itself, basically all torii can be classified under two major categories: those with straight members, shinmei torii 神明鳥居, and those with curved members, myoujin torii 明神鳥居. In both cases the terms are loosely applied to torii which fit these simple descriptions. However, shinmei and myoujin also refer to specific styles of torii.

1) Torii with Straight Beams (shinmei torii 神明鳥居)

• ise torii 伊勢鳥居
• kasuga torii 春日鳥居
• hachiman torii 八幡鳥居
• kashima torii 鹿島鳥居
• kuroki torii 黒木鳥居

2) Torii with Curved Beams (myoujin torii 明神鳥居)

• inari torii 稲荷鳥居
• sannou torii 山王鳥居
• miwa torii 三輪鳥居
• ryoubu torii 両部鳥居
• mihashira torii, mitsuhashira torii 三柱鳥居
• Three famous myoujin type torii with some noticeably unique characteristics are referred to by the name of their shrines:
• shitennouji ishi torii 四天王寺石鳥居
• usa torii 宇佐鳥居
• hakozaki torii 筥崎鳥居

Before the Premodern Period (1568-1868), the proportion of parts of torii varied greatly. From the end of the 16th century, the general dimensions were prescribed, with the diameter of pillars to be about equal to 1/10 the distance from pillar center to pillar center. According to the SHOUMEI 匠明, Five Secret Books for Master Carpenters (1608, Edo period), the height of the pillar from the ground to the underside of the tie beam must be determined by a square constructed from the edges of the pillars. A circle is then inscribed. The underside of the tie beam coincides with the upper most perimeter of the circle. The projection of the tie beam is calculated by dividing its length into 3rds from pillar center to pillar center. The ends of the tie beams should project 1/3 of that length. The slanted cuts (tasukizumi 襷墨) on the ends of the lintels are determined by a line projected (nagarezumi 投墨) from the bottom center of the pillar to the upper or lower corners (uwakado 上角, or shitakado 下門) of the tie beam.

LINKS to Japanese Torii and Shinto Architecture
Below links provided courtesy of GABI
See her site at: www.amie.or.jp/daruma/GokuRakuAn.html

• www.japan-photo.de/e-torii.htm (Torii Styles Photo Tour)
• www.marimari.com/content/japan/best_of/architecture/main.html
• www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/japan/architecture.htm
• www.lib.ohio-state.edu/rarweb/japan/2_6_photos.html
• www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/JapanAccess/kenchiku.htm
• www.fact-index.com/a/ar/art_and_architecture_of_japan.html
• www.genbu.net/tisiki/toriisinmei.htm (J)
• http://baum3.hp.infoseek.co.jp/newpage119.htm (Terms, E)
• http://www.genbu.net/tisiki/ (Terms, J)
• http://home.uchicago.edu/~krgorden/archpaper.html
• www.town.shikishima.yamanashi.jp/date/bunkazai.html
• www.jmam.net/b/kindai/touroku12.htm
• www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Torii_of_Itsukushima.html (J)

Shimenawa

Sacred places are typically marked with a shimenawa (special plaited rope) and gohei (strips of white paper). Placed at the entrances of holy places to ward off evil spirits, or placed around trees/objects to indicate presence of kami. Made of rice straw or hemp, the rope is called nawa. The pieces of white paper that are cut into strips and hung from these ropes (often hung from ropes on Torii gates as well) are called shime or gohei; they symbolize purity in the Shinto faith.

Merchants and businesses, as well as private individuals, often hang the shimenawa on their front doors at special times of the year. In the photo at right, the shimenawa hangs from the door of sake brewer Imada Shuzo.

One also often sees the Tamagushi, a sprig of Cleyera orchnacca with attached white-paper-strips (called "shide") used by Shinto priests at ceremonies.

 Purification: Washing of Hands
 
 Misogi




Purification is essential for worshippers before they offer their prayers to the Shinto deity. This purification is called Harai (exorcising, or cleansing). This cleansing act is called Misogi or Misogi Harai (an associated term is Imi, meaning "abstention from defilement").

At large shrines, you will always find a stone wash basin. According to the Misogi concept, visitors are required to rinse their mouth and hands before approaching the deity (most people no longer rinse their mouth, though). First the left and then the right hand is rinsed with water at the purification font, then the mouth is rinsed with water from the left hand. In Shinto, the elements that provide purification are water, salt, fire, sand and sake (alcohol). Sometimes, in the shrine compound, there will be a fire burning, and people will waft the smoke over their heads (to catch the blessings of the deity? to burn away their impurities? ). Click here for more details on above terms.

Praying at the Shrine, Clapping of Hands

Proceeding to the hall of worship, worshipers ring the bell (hanging from a rope in front of the offering box), bow twice, clap their hands twice, bow once more, and then throw coins into a wooden offering box. The prayer is made either before or after throwing money into the box. Another method is to throw a few coins into the offering box, then ring the bell, bow deeply twice with hands together, clap twice, and bow once again. Some explanations for the clapping of the hands include:  

• To make sure the Shinto deity is listening
   
• According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki (compiled around 700AD), this is the sound that divided chaos into heaven and earth and gave birth to Japan.
   
• Sound made by the closing of the cave door (after Amaterasu came out of the cave where she had been hiding; learn about this story)
   

Two Japanese characters often found at shrines. The term Hono means votive offering (donation), and it is typically written on the purification font and on the offering box.

 

 Inside the Shrine:  The Haiden and Honden



A full-fledged Shinto shrine is typically a two-part structure: (1) the Haiden, or oratory, before which worshipers say prayers and (2) the Honden, or inner sanctum, the main dwelling of the deity. The Honden is built behind the Haiden. One also often finds a third structure between the Honden and Haiden called the Heiden (Hall of Offerings), open only to the priests when they are making offerings on behalf of evotees.

In contrast to the wonderful sculptures found at Buddhist temples, the Shinto Honden contains no statues of the Shinto deities, but it does house the sacred mirror, sword, and jewels -- the main regalia of Shinto shrines, symbolic objects of worship in which the spirit of the deity is believed to reside. Since the Honden is considered a sacred sanctuary, laity are not allowed to enter. Thus, Shinto ceremonies for the common folk are held in the Haiden.

 Shinto Architecture
If you see a work of sacred architecture from before the Meiji Era (1868-1912) that rises on a monumental scale, it is apt to be Buddhist. Shinto architecture is usually "down to earth," blending rather than conflicting with the natural setting. Shrines are normally stand-alone complexes, but shrines can sometimes be found within Buddhist temples. Shinto roofs are usually peaked, and most everything is painted red (but not always). The presence of a torii (gate), two shishi (lion-dog) guardians, shimenawa (ropes with white paper), and the absence of a cemetery, are all telltale signs of Shinto shrines. Buddhist temples, however, are generally more ornate, showing strong influences from China. Temples typically contain a cemetery.

The roof above the purification font (temizuya)
at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura



Wooden shishi lend beauty to both Shinto and Buddhist structures.
Shishi are commonly placed under the eaves of religious structures
to ward off evil spirits. Sometimes the shishi is accompanied by
other protective deities, such as the above elephant-like creature
(baku, known as eaters of nightmares in Japanese mythology).
Images of the dragon are also found frequently as architectural
 elements (kibana - decorated beam-ends) at temples, less so at shrines.

Says reader Ken Prescott: "The elephant-like animal often associated with shishi, and used like the shishi as architectural decorations (kibana - decorated beam-ends), are probably the baku, known as eaters of nightmares in Japanese mythology. They are a composite animal, I think unique to Japan, and are very often depicted in netsuke. In fact, probably the best English-language references and examples are to be found in books on netsuke. I have also seen drawings from the Kano school (or influenced by same) with both baku and shishi, and know of one ukiyoe (woodblock) print showing a baku on a bed cover (appropriately). The Tokugawa shrine at Nikko is loaded with dragons, baku, and shishi.

GUIDE TO SHINTO SHRINES
Below Text Courtesy of Ed Jacobs
www3.tky.3web.ne.jp/~edjacob/appreciate.html
You can tell whether the deity housed at the shrine is male or female by looking at the roof of the shrine. On some shrines (not all though) you may find horn-like cross boards on the roof. If the ends of the boards are cut so the flat edges face up, then the deity is usually female. However, if the boards are cut so the flat edges face sideways, the deity is usually male. (NOTE: unconfirmed, must verify) 

Flat edges face sideways, indicating male deity
 Photo courtesy www.ias.berkeley.ed

Below text courtesy of Digital Shinto Dictionary at:
www2.kokugakuin.ac.jp/ijcc/wp/bts/bts_c.html
The crossed beams extending upwards from both ends of the roof gables in Shinto architecture are called Chigi. The short log-shaped sections set horizontally on the roof at right angles to the ridge are called Katsuogi. Both date to ancient times. Chigi are normally found on all Honden, except in the Gongen style (a noteworthy exception being Nikko Toshogu). At Ise Jingu they are found on all structures. 

Lucky Charms, Votive Plaques, and Fortune Telling
Shrines offer many diversions to visitors -- and if most cases, these diversions involve superstition and magic. Nearly all shrines sell talismans to bring good luck or keep evil away (so do most Buddhist temples for that matter). Lucky charms and protective amulets are called o-mamori. Shrines also sell o-inori (prayers to the kami written on pieces of paper) that magically help students pass examinations or sick people recover from an illness. Some shrines sell hamaya (evil-destroying arrows).

EMA - VOTIVE PLAQUES

At most shrines, one often finds a stand with hundreds of small wooden plaques attached to it. These votive plaques, sold at the Shrine, are called ema. Worshippers buy the plaque, write their wish on it, then hang it on the ema stand, in hopes the shrine deity will grant their wish. All types of wishes are made -- couples hoping to have children, students hoping to pass school exams, people looking for true love, etc.

GOOD LUCK, BAD LUCK
THE "OMIKUJI" FORTUNE

Most shrines sell fortunes (Omikuji). Just look for a small rounded container filled with bamboo sticks at the shrine kiosk. Pay the attendant (typically 100 yen), pick up the container, give it a shake, and a long stick will pop out of a small hole at the top. The stick will have a number, which corresponds to a fortune.

Based on your number, the attendant gives you a tiny slip/roll of paper on which is written your fortune. If you draw a good fortune, keep it, take it home with you. But if it's bad, leave it at the shrine, don't take it home. Just look around, and you'll find a small stand with many strips of white paper tied on. These are bad fortunes and you should tie yours here too. The concept is "leave the bad luck at the shrine, were the divine spirit can exorcise it." 

 Bad-luck fortunes are tied to this rack and left at the shrine

Some shrines have done away with the "stick-with-number" tradition, replacing the entire process with automated vending machines. Just pop in 100 yen, and out comes your fortune.

Kagura and Gagaku
Shinto Music and Dancing


Kagura are ritual dances accompanied by music called Gagaku. Gagaku is the traditional music of the Japanese Imperial Court. Even today, the Imperial Household Agency maintains the Imperial Ensemble. Its musicians are hereditary, dating from the ninth century. Among them is the Togi family, now employees of the Imperial Household Agency. Kagura and Gagaku are considered vehicles of communication between the Shinto deities and worshipers. Standard instruments include:

• sho (a reed-free mouth organ made of 17 bamboo)
• biwa (a short-necked lute); the goddess Benzaiten is often shown carrying a biwa
• hichiriki (a double-reed pipe like a small oboe)
• taiko (drums)

MAJOR CEREMONIES



Shinto ceremonies mark important life stages for many Japanese people. The main Shinto ceremonies are:

• 
  Miyamairi. One month after birth (31st day for boys, 32nd day for girls), parents and grandparents take the child to a shrine to express gratitude and ask shrine priests to pray for their baby's good health and happiness. This is a Japanese version of infant baptism. Today, Miyamairi is generally performed between one month to 100 days after birth. Says Kondo Takahiro: "In famous and busy shrines, the ceremony is held every hour in turn. A group of a dozen or so babies and their families are usually brought into the Shinto hall, one group after another. There is no price list for the service, but it usually costs around 10,000 yen per baby. The group is led in by turn and they sit in front of (facing) the alter. A Shinto priest (kannushi) wearing a unique Shinto costume and headgear appears between the group and the altar, and starts to recite a prayer (norito) swinging the tamagushi right and left (The tamagushi is a sprig of Cleyera orchnacca with attached white-paper strips used by Shinto priests at ceremonies). We don't understand what he is saying, except that somewhere in the middle of the prayer, the priest cites the name of the baby and his/her birthday. The prayer continues for about ten minutes. And then, parents carrying the baby go forward one by one and bow to the altar. In the end, sake, or rice wine, in a red wooden cup, is given to each of them." (Text Courtesy Kondo Takahiro)
   
• 
  Shichi Go San. On November 15 each year, children aged seven, five, and three don their finest traditional garb and visit local shires to celebrate the 7-5-3 festival. At the festival, special Shinto rites are performed to formally welcome girls (age 3) and boys (age 5) into the community. Girls (age 7) are welcomed into womanhood and allowed to wear the obi (decorative sash worn with kimono).
   
• Weddings. The wedding ceremony usually takes place at hotels or gorgeous ceremony halls -- specifically designed for weddings, and with makeshift shrine altars. A Shinto priest with whom the hotel or hall has a contract presides over the wedding rituals, reciting prayers and norito. One unique Shinto wedding practice is called san-san-kudo (three-three-nine-times), or three-time exchange of nuptial cups. Three flat cups (dishes with small, medium and large sizes) are used, and sake is poured into each, and the groom first sips it three times. The bride then follows him. The moment the ritual is finished, the couple officially becomes wedded under Shinto. (Text Courtesy Kondo Takahiro) Traditionally, at the wedding reception, a cask of sake is served. The photo above shows a traditional-style sake cask.
  
  
• 初詣 | はつもうで | Hatsumode
  Hatsumode, New Year's Shrine Visit. Hatsumode literally means "to pay the first visit of the year to the shrine," where one expresses gratitude for divine protection during the past year and gains the blessings of the local shrine for ongoing protection in the coming year. Typically, the Shinto priest gives a short talk, then welcomes all to share a small cup of sake. Bonfires are typically lit as well. Even if people can't make the formal event, most try to visit a shrine sometime in early January.
  
  
• 
  Seijinshiki or Seijin no Hi. Second Monday in January, when people who have turned twenty go to a shrine for their "coming of age" ceremony. By the way, you must be 20 years old to vote and drink alcohol in Japan.
   
• Jichinsai and Others
  Groundbreaking Ceremonies, Other Types. In Japan, purification ceremonies precede the commencement of all important events and functions. When a new building or home is to be constructed, a groundbreaking ceremony called jichinsai is performed to pacify the earth kami and to purify the spot where construction will take place. New airplanes are purified before their maiden flight. Many car owners take their vehicles to shrines to be blessed and purified.

MAJOR FESTIVALS

Most shrines hold regular festivals (matsuri) to commemorate dates related to that shrine or deity. These festivals typically include parades, music and dancing, theatrical performances or Noh drama, food and games, and often community members carry a mikoshi (portable shrine) throughout the streets. Many localities, for example, hold their own "Fertility" festival, wherein local residents carry around large portable shrines that depict the male sexual organ. The bearded fellow in the above photo is me. For web links devoted to festivals and festival schedules, please see the LEARN MORE section below.

Fox Lady at one of Japan's many Kitsune (Fox) Festivals

LEARN MORE

• SHINTO DICTIONARIES
  www.kokugakuin.ac.jp/ijcc/wp/glossary/index2.html
  www.kokugakuin.ac.jp/ijcc/wp/bts/index.html
  http://hikyaku.com/dico/histxtg.html
   
• FAMILY TREES
  www.harapan.co.jp/english/miya_e/myth/myth_index.htm
  www.din.or.jp/~a-kotaro/gods/ (Japanese language only)
   
• GENERAL
  http://shinto.org/menu-e.html
  http://www.gagaku.net/
  www.japan-guide.com/e/e2056.html
  www.jnto.go.jp/eng/illustrated/ (Japan Nat'l Tourist Org.)
  http://cla.calpoly.edu/~bmori/syll/Hum310japan/Shinto.html
  www.questia.com/Index.jsp?CRID=shinto&OFFID=se1
  www.nihonbunka.com/
  http://web-japan.org/factsheet/religion/index.html
   
• SHINTO CREATION MYTHS
  www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ANCJAPAN/CREAT.HTM
  (Washington State Univ.)
   
• PHOTOS (Obon and Dosojin Stone Markers)
  www.kiku.com/electric_samurai/cyber_shrine/  EXCELLENT
  www.theforeigner-japan.com/photoessays/2003/kyotonight/
  http://kazekobo.cool.ne.jp/plngallery/vol07/idx.htm
  http://kasuichi.gooside.com/photo/01_allJapan_b.html (Jap. only)
   
• SHINTO FESTIVALS
  http://mothra.rerf.or.jp/ENG/Hiroshima/Festivals/24.html
  www.home.worldcom.ch/~negenter/474bGatewayJpF_E.html
  www.embjapan.dk/spotlight/List%20of%20festivals.htm