pamandjapan:

神宮大麻 (Jingu Taima)

The Jingu Taima, or simply Taima, is a specific type of ofuda issued by the Ise Grand Shrine. It is made from hemp cloth, with its use as a material seen as common from antiquity. 

pamandjapan:

見世棚造 (Showcase Style)

Misedana-zukuri is a type of Shinto architecture that owes its name to the fact that it doesn’t feature a stairway at the entrance (unlike other styles) and that it has a flat veranda. It is normally used in sessha and massha.

pamandjapan:

御札 (Great Note)

An Ofuda is a talisman issued by a Shinto shrine. It is made by inscribing the name of a god and the name of the Shinto shrine or a representative of that shrine on a strip of paper, wood, cloth, or metal. It should be renewed yearly, typically before the year ends, and attached to a door, pillar, ceiling, or a private shrine. It is believed that it protects the family living inside the house from general harm. Specific ofudas are made for specific purposes, such as preventing flames.

pamandjapan:

猿田毘古大神 (Sarutahiko Okami)

Sarutahiko Okami is a powerful guardian kami considered as the leader of all the earthly kami and was the one who greeted Ninigi when he descended  from Takamagahara. He is depicted as a towering man with a large beard, jeweled spear, ruddy face, and long nose. He is seen as a symbol of strength and guidance, which is why he is considered as the patron of martial arts.

pamandjapan:

笠間稲荷神社 (Kasama Inari Shrine)

The Kasama Inari Jinja is one of the three largest Inari Okami Shrines in Japan. The shrine is dedicated to Ukanomitama no kami, a spirit who has mastery over the sources of life itself.

pamandjapan:

賽銭 (Saisen)

Saisen are offerings from Shinto worshipers. They are placed inside boxes called “Saisenbako”, usually situated near the entrance, or in front of the halls of a shrine or a Buddhist temple.

pamandjapan:

絵馬 (Ema)

Ema are small wooden plaques where Shinto believers write their prayers and wishes. They are left hanging on shrines, where the Gods supposedly retrieve them. 

pamandjapan:

大国主 (Oukuninushi)

Oukuninushi is a divinity in Japanese Shinto, his name literally meaning “Great Land Master”. He is believed to be the original ruler of Izumo, until he was replaced by Ninigi and for this he was made ruler of the unseen world of spirits and magic. He is the god of nation-building, farming, business, and medicine. He had eight brothers who wanted to marry the princess Yakami. The flayed Hare of Inaba asked them for help but they only caused him great pain. Being the kind person that he was, Oukuninushi told the hare the right thing to do and because of this, the princess married him.