Download a licensed digital photo: pix4japan.picfair.com
Order a print: pix4japan.smugmug.com
Sacred Ancient Trees at Shinto Shrine
Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Pref., Japan
Timestamp: 15:11・2024/03/20
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 6400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/8
Situated approximately 20 meters (65 ft) to the east of the Kawaguchi Asama-Jinja Shrine stand two ancient trees known as the Futahashira-Sugi (両柱杉) cedars. The cedar on the right reaches a height of approximately 47.5 meters (156 ft), making it the tallest among the renowned seven cedar trees at the shrine.
The cedar on the right is named after Izanagi-no-Mikoto, a male deity from Japanese mythology who, according to legend, fathered Japan, the sun, the moon, and storm gods. On the left stands a cedar named after Izanami-no-Mikoto, a female deity known for giving birth to numerous gods and being the wife of Izanagi-no-Mikoto.
The origin story of the two trees is fused with the belief that the roots of the right tree gradually grew and intertwined with those of the smaller tree on the left, a process said to have begun around 1,200 years ago. This physical and metaphorical union of the two majestic trees symbolizes a sacred bond, transforming them into revered entities worshiped for their association with successful matchmaking, fertility, and safe childbirth.
To symbolize this sacred union, the two trees are bound together by a shimenawa rope, signifying their holiness and serving as protection against malevolent spirits, thus preserving their status as revered landmarks. Adorned with shide paper streamers, the shimenawa rope further delineates the area surrounding the two trees as a consecrated space.
Glossary:
- 両柱 futahashira: Two (or both) pillars, posts, cylinders, or support. In the above context, the two deities (large cedar trees), one a male and the other a female, are intertwined as one at their roots.
- 杉 sugi: Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
- 注連縄 shimenawa: A straw rope hung before or around a site to demarcate sacred or pure space.
- 垂 shide: folded strips of paper suspended from shimenawa ropes to demarcate a sacred or ritual space.
- 伊耶那岐命 Izanagi-no-Mikoto: A male creator deity (kami) of both creation and life in Japanese mythology.
- 伊耶那美命 Izanami-no-Mikoto: A female creator deity of both creation and death in Japanese mythology, as well as the Shinto mother goddess.
References:
Copyright Notice for All Images:
© 2011-2024 Pix4Japan. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.
Visit www.pix4japan.com for prints and licensed download options.
No comments:
Post a Comment