Torii
The vertical and horizontal crossbeams symbolizes a gateway. The horizontal crossbeams gives an impression of birds stretching its wings across the sky. Each Shinto shrine has a Torii standing at the gateway, it is also found in front of Japanese Buddhist temples. (7) Daruma Doll
The daruma doll is the image of Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma is an Indian monk. When the painter paints one eye on the face he/she makes a wish. If the wish came true the painter paints the other eye. The daruma dolls are found in Buddhism, and they are also found at Shinto shrines. (7) Guardian Animals
At the entrance to the central grounds of any shrine. A pair of animals, guard the shrine from evil. Some common guardian animals include Chinese dogs, Korean lions, foxes (inari), cows, monkeys, even rats. (The fox guardian) (2) Omamori - Good Luck Charms
Every shrine sells charms or omamori—small, lightly made bags with an amulet in them — that protect against evil, bad fortune, poor health, and many other things. People hang them in their cars, homes or taking it with them. |
Hama Yumi/Hamaya
Hamaya are arrows. It symbolizes a struggle against evil and bad luck. (7) Ofuda
It is acquired at Shinto shrines and displayed on walls in a people houses for protection. On the paper, wood, cloth, or metal, the words refer to the name of the shrine or the name of the kami that is written on it. (7) Shimenawa
In many shrines there is thick pieces of rice straw. Always criss-cross an odd number of strands for good luck wrapped around a tree or stone; this rope indicates that the thing encircled is sacred. (2) |
Abushadi & Billy