Wordless Wednesday: Torii at Sacred Site in Okinawa

Travel Photo: The Wedded Rocks of Onna Son

Bound Together with a Sacred Rope

 

 

This photo was taken from the shore at Manza Beach Resort late in the morning.

More than likely, the scene is a spin-off of the Meoto Iwa (夫婦岩) in Mie, Japan.

The rice straw rope, called a shimenawa, comes from Shinto beliefs.

Sacred ropes, such as this, are seen tied to the gates (torii) of many shrines.

Online research for these rocks in Okinawa, didn't provide much information.

But, I'm sure some wedding photographers, take their clients to this spot for sessions.

Up in mainland Japan, you can find all sorts of information about the Married Rocks.

Take a peek at them in Ise Shima National Park and get a dose of Religious Mythology.

Ella Morton writes about the rocks united in marriage at Atlas Obscura.

And, Joanne G.Yoshida, has been there at least three times.

She has even, seen Mt. Fuji appear between those rocks !

Over at Photo Guide Japan, see an excellent essay on the replacement of the ropes.

Due to wear and tear of wind and waves, the ropes are replaced 3 times each year.

It looks like quite a ceremony.

Maybe, we should talk to the folks at Manza Beach Resort and, do the same here.

It would be a great excuse, to throw a festival for the occasion !

Travel Photo: The Striker for a Buddhist Bell

Close-up View of the Business End

 

 

This should you give an idea of what is used to ring the bell at shrines over the New Year.

Doing some research on the temples and shrines, proved interesting.

A survey done by the government of Japan discovered this in 2002:

Total persons, registered as Shinto followers at shrines: 106 million

Total persons, registered as followers at Buddhist temples:  95 million

The total population of Japan at the time:  120 million

When you add 106 to 95, it comes out to something like 201 million. Right ?

The explanation for this discrepancy, may be found in Japanese Buddhism Today.

Or, you can take my word for it. Some people practice both religions.

Another little goodie, I found for you is this video.

Some people get classes on how to ring the bell loudly !