a basin in shrine, Kamigamo shrine

This is a basin installed at the entrance of main buildings in shrine. Before we go and pray in front of main building, we will wash your hands and mouth by this big wooden spoon, full of fresh water. Because gods in shrine dislike the dirty.

By the way, we don't set this spoon to our lips directly to wash our mouth.

Location by Google Map
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PS. I was very surprised and honoured that I happen to find that this blog is in final nominees of "Best Japanese Photoblog" in The 2007 Photobloggies. Thanks for enjoying and visiting my blog, members of City Daily Photo family and Raquel in Spain!!

Sand moulds

Two cone shape sand moulds are put in front of a building in shrine. These are believed to be points for Japanese domestic gods to descend from the heaven.The gods prefer higher places and are said to move down from the sky to mountains and tall trees. These moulds mean mountains and the place for gods. The moulds are made in shrine because shrine is a place for honoring the domestic gods.

The thin rope is tighten in front of the moulds and the inside means the holy place for gods. And on the top of the moulds are put small pine leaves. Pine is a symbol of long life and one of gods' favorite trees.

Location by Google Map