Category: Nature & Plants

From ancient times the oak (kashiwa) has held food offerings on its leaves and been honored as the dwelling of the leaf-guarding deity. We explore the culture of kashiwa-mochi, the linguistic roots of kashiwade hand-clapping, the symbolism of family continuity in evergreen leaves, and the living sacredness of the oak at shrines today.

Shrine Secrets Editorial Team

Why do shrine gardens and ponds take their particular forms? Explore the logic of nature worship hidden in water flow and garden layout, and the ancient wisdom behind sacred space design.

Shrine Secrets Editorial Team

Morning dew glistening on shrine grounds has been considered sacred water since ancient times. We explore the purifying power of dewdrops and the Japanese view of nature they embody.

Shrine Secrets Editorial Team