Torii: a gate marking the division between profane and sacred space at Shinto shrines

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Torii a gate marking the division
betweenprofane and sacred space at Shinto shrines
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The sando is a pathway leading from outside the
shrine compound to the front of a structure for
worshippers.A sando is usually lined with an
avenue of trees or otherwise marked in order to
be distinguished from regular pathways.
Frequently the sando crosses a pond or stream
with a sacred bridge called a shinkyo. This
crossing symbolizes the purification of mind. In
some cases, the shrine pathway is marked with
stone stairways and lined with stone
lanterns. (http//ias.berkeley.edu/orias/visuals/j
apan_visuals/shintoB.HTM)
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Since one of the most important functions of
Shinto rituals is that of purification, clean
water is always provided for washing the hands
and rinsing the mouth before approaching the
shrine.
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Prayers are normally offered at the outer temple
in theworship hall (haiden), which faces the
sanctuary (honden) of the inner temple.
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Izumo (Japan's second most important shrine)
The sacred ropes hanging over the front entry are
twisted together from rice straw. Called
shimenawa, they are used to mark a sacred
precinct. They are traditionally believed to ward
off evil and sickness. http//ias.berkeley.edu/or
ias/visuals/japan_visuals/shintoB.HTM
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Families traditionally bring their one-month old
baby to the local shrine to be presented to the
tutelary (protecting) kami of the region.
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Priests frequently perform ceremonial
purification by waving a branch from the sacred
sakaki tree.
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Wooden plaque at the Tomakomai Shinto shrine.
Worshipers may purchase a prayer board or amulet
for protection or assistance. These boards are
most popular with students requesting help in
school or with exams. http//ias.berkeley.edu/ori
as/visuals/japan_visuals/shintoB.HTM