Torii in Jinja

Have you ever been to a Jinja in Japan? Usually you will see a Torii in front of the Jinja like picture above. Have you ever wonder what is the purpose of building a Torii?

Since there are thousands of kami (god) in Japan, from the kami of sun to the kami of an old tree. You can see Jinja in Japan everywhere, some of them needed to travel a long time and some of them can be placed even in the local market. Once you cross the Torii, you enter the house of the kami. There’s a saying that the area beyond the Torii is protected by the kami in Japan. The kami can protect you, of course can punish you, too. So you need to be quiet, humble and respect the kami of the Jinja you entered.

There is a article talking about the welcoming sigh from the kami:

．Instead of human, you met animals

．People in front of you left naturally

．You heard the sound of Taiko or bell

．You met special event or wedding in Jinja

．The weather changed suddenly

．Strong wind blew

．Flowers or leaves fell like raining

The situation will not happen at every Jinja, if you encounter sign above it might shows that you have connection with the kami of the Jinja. The result from the draw usually is very helpful.

Try to visit a Jinja in Japan with respect next time, maybe the kami will build relationship with you!