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Torii are red arches that mark the entrance to the sacred precincts of a Shintō shrine in Japan. Learn about the history, variations, and symbolism of torii and other features of Shintō shrines.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
A torii (Japanese: 鳥居, [to.ɾi.i]) is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the mundane to the sacred, [1] and a spot where kami are welcomed and thought to travel through. [2]
- Jack Xavier
- Torii Gates, The Entrance to Shinto Shrines. Perhaps the most recognizable symbols of Shintoism are the majestic gates that mark the entrance to Shinto shrines.
- Shimenawa, Shinto's Sacred Rope. "Shimenawa" are ropes, often adorned with white zig-zag-shaped ornaments. They can vary greatly in size and diameter, with some being not much more than a few threads, while others are massive and thick!
- Shide, the White, Zig-Zag Papers. One particular item you may notice when walking on the premises of a shrine is the zig-zag white papers, often hanging from the aforementioned shimenawa.
- Sakaki, Shinto’s Sacred Tree. As mentioned previously, nature worship is a key element of Shintoism, trees playing a particularly important role. Certain types of trees are considered sacred and are known as “shinboku.”
Apr 22, 2020 · Architecture video blogger Martin van der Linden explains the different types of torii gates found at Japanese Shinto temples, in his latest contribution to Virtual Design Festival.
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- Dezeen
Sengen shrines are dedicated to Princess Konohanasakuya, the Shinto deity of Mount Fuji. More than one thousand Sengen shrines exist across Japan, with the head shrines standing at the foot and the summit of Mount Fuji itself.
Feb 10, 2019 · Torii are the double-lintel portals at the entrance to Shinto shrines in Japan. Vermilion in color, they represent a traditional Japan and have become iconic. Japanese shrines often have a door before their door: the torii.
However, since its grounds are sacred, they usually are surrounded by a fence made of stone or wood called tamagaki, while access is made possible by an approach called sandō. The entrances themselves are straddled by gates called torii, which are therefore the simplest way to identify a Shinto shrine.
