The Meaning of Torii at Shrines
What is the role of the torii gate of a shrine?
The torii gate of a Shinto shrine is the structure at the entrance to the shrine and is considered the boundary that separates the world of the gods from the world of human beings. The interior of a shrine is considered sacred ground, and it is customary to bow when passing through the torii. The torii is not only a gateway to the shrine and a symbol of the shrine, but is also said to function as a boundary. The torii itself may also serve as a structure that reveals the presence of a deity.
Boundary between the shrine and the secular world
The torii gate of a shrine represents the boundary between the inner sanctuary of the shrine (the sacred area) and the outer area where humans live (the secular area). The torii also serves as a boundary to prevent the entry of impure things into the shrine. Generally, a shrine has a single torii, but larger shrines may have multiple torii. Passing through a torii gate brings one closer to the sacred place.
Many shrines also have three torii: ichi no torii, ni no torii, and san no torii.
Smaller shrines may have only the first torii, but it is highly possible that there used to be a third torii, but it was omitted during the transition to the present.
Origin of Torii of Shrines
Theories of the origin of the torii gate
Various theories exist as to the origin of torii gates at shrines, but no clear origin is known. One theory about the origin of torii gates is an episode of Amaterasu in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters). It is believed to have originated from the story of Amaterasu, who chirped a bird to lure Amaterasu out of the Ama-no-Iwato (Ama-no-Iwato) when she hid in the Ama-no-Iwato. In addition, birds, which are believed to be messengers of the gods, appear in ancient Japanese mythology, suggesting a deep connection between birds and the gods.
Another theory is that when the earth was flooded in the past, birds perched on the only tree that emerged from the water, hence the name “Torigairu” (Torii), meaning “where the birds are” (Torii). There is a theory that this tree was the only tree that was out of the water when the earth was flooded in the past.
Although there are various theories, current research indicates that the existence of torii gates dates back to the Yayoi period (500 B.C.).
The history of Japan is
Paleolithic Period : 30,000 B.C.
Jomon Period : 10,000 B.C. (the period of the first pottery production)
Yayoi Period : 500 B.C.
So, I think it is quite difficult to question the truth.
The color of the torii gate of a shrine
Why are the torii gates red?
Torii gates are generally red in color. Red is a traditional Japanese color and is sacred. Red is often chosen to emphasize the role and meaning of torii gates.
This red color is said to have the meaning of warding off bad luck and disease. Furthermore, cinnabar, the raw material for vermilion, has been used since ancient times as a wood preservative. In many places, not only the torii gate but also the shrine pavilions themselves are painted vermilion.
However, it is unclear why the red color is used.
Although the truth is not known, there are those who argue that the roots of the Japanese people may be Jewish. Some people who advocate that the Japanese are Jewish say that the following example from Exodus 12:1-13 in the Old Testament is the origin of the red color of the torii gate.
‘Now take a lamb for each family and slaughter the Passover sacrifice. Then take a sheaf of hyssop and dip it in the blood in the bowl, and dip the two pillars at the door and the entrance in the blood in the bowl, and paint the two pillars at the door and the entrance with the blood in the bowl. No one shall leave the entrance of the house until the next morning. When the Lord goes around to shoot the Egyptians, He will see the blood that is on the door and on the two pillars of the entrance, and He will pass over the entrance. For the destroyer shall not enter the house and shoot you.”
It is also said that the first red torii gates were at Matsuo-taisha Shrine and Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, the clan deity of the Hata clan, who came to Japan from overseas.
Konoshimanimasuamaterumitama Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, was built around the 7th century, and has a torii made of three pillars, which is rare in Japan and is said to represent the Christian Trinity.
The shrine is located in the Hata clan’s area of influence.
However, this is not necessarily true.
Thus, there are many theories about the shrine’s torii alone.
Because of the long history of Japan, there are many things whose true reasons and origins are still unknown.
Torii gates of other colors also exist.
However, torii gates of colors other than red also exist in Japan. For example, a white torii gate symbolizes purity and cleansing. A yellow torii gate symbolizes abundance and prosperity. A black torii gate symbolizes solemnity and strength. Torii gates of various colors exist, and the colors are chosen according to the characteristics of the shrine and the belief in the deity.
My thoughts on Torii
I have visited many shrines and found the Ichino Torii to be perhaps wooden and lacking in color.
In Japan, there is a non-existent bird called yatagarasu. It is said that the ancient gods were guided by Yatagarasu to establish their era.
In other words, at the entrance to a shrine where one goes to meet the gods, there is inevitably an entrance where the bird stops.
Birds are creatures that perch on trees, and it is natural to assume that torii gates were made of wood in Japan, a country of nature worship.
In Japanese, “There’s a bird.” is read as “tori-ga-iru.
I believe that “tori-ga-iru” has changed to “torii”.
Types of Torii
Shinmei Torii and Myojin Torii
There are many types of torii gates in terms of shape, color, and material, but they can be broadly divided into “Shinmei-Torii” and “Myojin-Torii.
The major difference between the two is whether the wood of the kasagi or shimagi is straight or warped.
Both torii gates play an important role as part of the shrine’s festivals and beliefs.
Torii gates of different materials and shapes
- Wooden Torii: Made of wood, a traditional material. It is characterized by the texture and warmth of wood.
- Stone torii: Made of stone, such as marble or granite. It has a sense of solidity and massiveness.
- Metal torii: Made of steel, copper or other metals. It gives a modern and sophisticated impression.
- Brick torii: Made of bricks. It has a unique texture and warmth.
- Iron Torii: Made using iron. It is simple, massive, and classic.
More than 60 different aviary classifications
There are more than 60 types of torii gates in Japan. Some of them are introduced below.
| type | feature |
|---|---|
| red torii | General torii gate. It is painted red. |
| white torii | The white torii gate symbolizes purity and cleansing. |
| black torii | The black torii gate expresses a sense of solemnity and strength. |
| vermillion-lacquered torii | Gorgeous torii gate with gold leaf and lacquered vermilion coating. |
| coloring torii | Torii gate with colored paintings and carvings. |
| gravel torii | A unique torii gate with gravel on the base of the gate. |
These torii gates of diverse materials and shapes, each with a different design and meaning for each shrine, represent the diversity and deep devotion of the Japanese Shinto religion.
Special Torii
Mitsu torii
Three torii gates lined up side by side
The famous shrine with Mitsu torii gates is…
- Hibara Shrine (Nara) : 1422 Miwa, Sakurai City, Nara (In Omiwa Shrine)
- Omiwa-jinja Shrine (Nara) : 1422 Miwa, Sakurai City, Nara ※can’t see it.
- Miwa Shrine（Aichi) : 3-9-32 Osu, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi
- Miwa Shrine（Nagano) : 8-1-2 Miwa, Nagano City, Nagano
- Mimine Shrine（Saitama) : 298-1 Mimine, Chichibu City, Saitama
- Shiramine Shrine （Kagawa) : 1719, Saisho-cho, Sakaide City, Kagawa
Mihashira torii
Three torii gates are combined.
The famous shrine with Mihashira torii gates is…
- Konoshimanimasuamaterumitama Shrine Shrine (Kyoto) : 50-1, Hadamoriketo-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- Mimeguri Shrine (Tokyo) : 2-5-17 Mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
These special torii gates are very rare in Japan, and the number of shrines where they can be seen is limited.
And this torii is a very important object in the history of Japan.
It is said that the first torii gate was the Sanbashira Torii (three-poster torii).
It is said that the three-pillar torii were disassembled to form the existing 1 torii, 2 torii, and 3 torii.
As mentioned above, some believe that it represents the Trinity, but there are many negative opinions about this as well. There are various theories, but the torii was initially just three trees standing,
Some say that the three trees represent the three Zoka-Sansin(The first three gods) from the Kojiki, or the ancient constitution (which had only three articles).
Others believe that the three trees represent the three sacred weapons that have been handed down in Japan from generation to generation.
The origin of the torii gate is unknown even to many Japanese.
As a side note, there is a theory that the name of Suntory, a Japanese brewing company, is based on the three torii gates.(In Japanese, three is pronounced “san”.)
summary
There are other theories about the origin of the torii gate besides the one presented here. For example, a minority opinion says that it represents the letters of Yahweh (YHWH) ….
The truth has not been revealed and will never be revealed.
That is why one must look carefully when visiting the shrine.