 Shrines
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Shrines are dedicated to the religion of Japan - Shintoism. This religion
is found in no other country. Shrines are always marked by torii, which
are found at each shrine, either singly or in large numbers. According
to the earliest legends these torii were originally perches for roosters.
This bird was associated with the Sun Goddess, since the rooster crows
every morning when the sun rises. Shrines are also dedicated to a god
or gods, the spirit of some person or persons - such as imperial ancestors
or historical figures.
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In my experience, the Japanese visit the shrines for many, many reasons.
If they are building a new house, having a baby, buying a new car, getting
married, asking some god for help, praying for luck and hundreds of other
things, they feel that a visit to a shrine is a requirement! Shintoism
began as a religion worshipping the gods of nature. This led me to look
at the Druid religion of ancient days. Even American Indians worshipped
nature.
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This religion seems related to life. The people pray for luck and success
in business, school, marriage, and life in general. New babies are introduced
at the shrine, and weddings are usually performed there. Shrines even
feel like lively places ! Each New Year's celebration finds many people
going to shrines such as the Taisha, Kamosu, and Kumano Shrines. Many
people visit more than one as part of their observance of the new year.
My family visits the Kanda Shrine in Yonago and the Yaegaki Shrine, near
my house. Where do you go to officially observe the landmarks in your
life ?
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