Description
Brand new set of two (2) white glass Shinto religious altar vases called
sakaki tate in Japanese plus two (2) artificial sakaki branches
with plastic evergreen leaves. These special vases are designed
specifically for holding small branches displaying leaves from the Asian
Sakaki tree (Cleyera japonica) which are placed on either side
of a
kamidana shrine. The foliage from this tree is important
within the Shinto tradition as a religious altar display item, as the
dark green sakaki leaves are appreciated by the Japanese for their
evergreen appearance and hearty nature which are thought to impart a sense of
abundance and longevity to the Shinto religious setting. The
respect the Japanese hold for this tree is evident in its name as the word
sakaki translates as 'god tree'. As sakaki trees are difficult
to find outside Japan this vase set therefore includes two small artificial
sakaki branches with plastic leaves very closely resembling the real thing.
These artificial sakaki are appropriately sized for the vases on offer
though the stems of the plastic sakaki may be bent or broken off for further adjustments
to length. Please read below to learn more
about Japan's native religion, Shinto and please click
here
to see additional sakaki vase sets available within
our eBay store The Old Tokaido.
Size of vases:
Height: 5.5 inches (14.0 centimeters)
Weight (of both vases combined): 12.8 ounces (367 grams)
Size of each artificial sakaki branch:
Height from stem to furthest leaf tip (approximate): 15.6 inches (40.0 centimeters)
Weight (combined and approximate): 0.8 ounces (22 grams)
Please note that each sakaki stem can be cut for more accurate sizing
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here
to see more sakaki items!
Click
here
to see other Shinto items!
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here
to see more treasures from Japan!
More about the Shinto religion
Shinto
is one of the two major religions of Japan (the other is Buddhism). Shinto
is often considered to be the native religion
of Japan, and is as old as Japan itself. The name Shinto means "the way
of the gods." Shinto is a pantheistic religion, in which many thousands
of major and minor gods are thought to exist. The Japanese have built
thousands
of shrines (jinja) throughout the country to honor and worship these gods. Some shrines
are huge and are devoted to important deities. Other shrines are small and may
be easily missed when strolling along roads in the countryside.
Shinto gods are called kami. Kami are thought to have
influence on human affairs, and for this reason many Japanese make regular
pilgrimage to community shrines in order to offer prayers to local kami.
The act of prayer involves approaching the shrine structure, passing through the
gate-like torii, cleansing the hands and mouth
with water and possibly ascending stairs to the main entrance of the shrine.
Usually without entering the shrine the worshipper will throw some coins into a
stone or wooden collection box and then rattle the suzu bell which is at
the top of a long hemp rope. The worshiper grabs hold of the rope and shakes it
back and forth causing the copper bell at the top to rattle. This is thought to
get the attention of the shrine god. The worshipper then bows twice, claps his
or her hands twice and then bows again. In addition, the worshipper may clasp
their hands together in silent prayer. Shintoism and Buddhism have managed to
find a comfortable coexistence in Japan. Evidence of this harmonious relationship is
found in the fact that that most Japanese are married in a Shinto shrine,
but buried by a Buddhist priest.
item code: INV-0000121_01 (previously INV-0000075_04)
category code: sakakitatemono
ship code: G6
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