Kamigamo jinjya shrine, Kyoto
wikipedia
At Geku, Grand shrine of ISE, Mie prefecture.
At Geku, Grand shrine of ISE, Mie prefecture.
There are holy horses in some Japanese main shrines.
They are called SHINME(other photos).
Shinme means "God's horse".
But most shrines are not able to keep horses in shrine.
Because it costs too much or time-cunsuming work.
In ancient time, some shrines had wooden boards that was painted horses
instead of real horses.
The wooden boards were called EMA.
EMA meant a painting of horse.
Now, there are many patterns of EMA.
instead of real horses.
The wooden boards were called EMA.
EMA meant a painting of horse.
Now, there are many patterns of EMA.
Twelve zodiac signs are very common.
This year's sign is a mouse. The first year in 12 years-cycle.
Originally, it is said to originate from Sun's cycle.
Mouse, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Cock, Dog and Boar.
Ema for "Passing an exam"
Many Japanese people buy Ema and write their wishes on it.
It is not a good manner in Shinto/Nature worship
because human should give just gratitude to gods who are always protecting the place.
Begging to gods means lower level beggar.
Private wishes depend on a person's effort and hidden support from his/her ancestors.
80 : 20 = Effort : Support from own ancestors
because human should give just gratitude to gods who are always protecting the place.
Begging to gods means lower level beggar.
Private wishes depend on a person's effort and hidden support from his/her ancestors.
80 : 20 = Effort : Support from own ancestors
Private wishes in Shrines are not appropriate at all but
nature gods helps only who wants to help public people and society.
nature gods helps only who wants to help public people and society.
Just dedicating thankful heart to nature is true Shinto.
This was a world wide common nature worship in ancient times.
A child who tries to help his parents will be loved more and more.
This was a world wide common nature worship in ancient times.
A child who tries to help his parents will be loved more and more.
Don't use sacred gods in shrine as your servant.
Shinme horse also respects gods.
There are two main shrines in ISE grand shrine. Geku and Naiku.
Geku is a worship place for the star of david as polar star.
Naiku is for the Sun.
Holy horses visit both shrines with priests three times a month.
The ceremony is called SHINME-KENZAN.
(Around 8 am in the morning / Every 1st, 11th and 21st / Every month)