Twenty years ago in June-July, 1996 we took our children, Tiffany and Keola to Japan. They enjoyed meeting my aunts and cousins who they'd barely known existed. We took them to as many famous places as we could fit into three weeks.
We enjoyed all the beautiful shrines and castles in Kyoto.
The Heian Shrine was huge and very beautiful. The orange paint on the buildings was our clue that it was a Shinto shrine and not Buddhist which is usually naturally colored.
We were curious to see people going through this grass ring several times, but had no idea why.
Our relatives did not know what we were talking about when we asked them later.
So it remained a mystery for twenty years.
A couple of weeks ago, we saw an article in the Star Advertiser.
It mentioned the "Ring of Renewal" and "Ring of Purification" at a Blessing for People and Pets.
It stated that the grass (cogon or chogoya) ring is called a Chinowa. I was then able to look it up online and got an explanation.
According to the Encyclopedia of Shinto, "Worshipers at the shrine pass through the ring as an act of purification from misdeeds (tsumi), impurities (kegare), or bad luck."
The mystery is solved and I'm glad we went through the ring. It never hurts to be purified now and then.
We enjoyed all the beautiful shrines and castles in Kyoto.
The Heian Shrine was huge and very beautiful. The orange paint on the buildings was our clue that it was a Shinto shrine and not Buddhist which is usually naturally colored.
We were curious to see people going through this grass ring several times, but had no idea why.
Our relatives did not know what we were talking about when we asked them later.
So it remained a mystery for twenty years.
It mentioned the "Ring of Renewal" and "Ring of Purification" at a Blessing for People and Pets.
It stated that the grass (cogon or chogoya) ring is called a Chinowa. I was then able to look it up online and got an explanation.
According to the Encyclopedia of Shinto, "Worshipers at the shrine pass through the ring as an act of purification from misdeeds (tsumi), impurities (kegare), or bad luck."
The mystery is solved and I'm glad we went through the ring. It never hurts to be purified now and then.
Serendipity times two.
ReplyDeleteWhere can I find the nearest Chinowa??!! This is so interesting - Winnie
ReplyDeleteHi Winnie! I guess you could try this temple on Oahu (Here's the email address):
Deletehttp://www.e-shrine.org/
I was so amazed they celebrate it here too. You might want to call and ask them. I wonder what kind of grass they would use...
Now we know why your family are all such pure souls.
ReplyDeleteSo Shinto has a Ring of Purification and this year Catholics have the Door of Mercy. It is a nice idea.
And your story shows how important it is to know the names of things. Thanks Kay.
nothing as satisfying as a mystery solved, even better that you went through the ring, I don't know if I would have!
ReplyDeleteIt was an intetesting trip
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing trip to take your children on!
ReplyDeleteYou never fail to amaze me with the things you find to write about.
ReplyDeleteHmm, I'm always curious about traditions and beliefs. Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteamazing...
ReplyDeleteThanks!!! I'll keep an eye out for one the next time I go to Japan. I need to pass through one several times for all of my misdeeds!
ReplyDeleteSent this post to my son who loves Japan and is married to a Japanese woman.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful ritual
ReplyDeleteThat is very interesting. Travel is an amazing education...and so is the internet.
ReplyDeletethat's so cool!
ReplyDeleteI need to visit the ring for many reasons, none of which I want to describe! Very interesting post.
ReplyDeleteThe best thing about this is that you no longer have to wonder!
ReplyDeleteThat is really neat. I wonder if I can make one myself. :-)
ReplyDeleteSo for 20 years you've been running around purified and never knew it!!!Little things like that stay with us. I'm glad you found out what it meant.
ReplyDeleteKay, I'm glad you finally found out the story :)!!
ReplyDeletesounds about right
ReplyDeleteHow interesting! I have never been d away from the USA but I admire my friends who travel abroad.
ReplyDeleteI would have passed through several times like many of the others did. Honestly it must have worked for you because you always seem quite blessed to me.
ReplyDeleteAwwwww... Annie, you are too kind.
DeleteHi There, Isn't it wonderful to solve an old mystery --which has been with you for years??? There's a mystery in my family which we still haven't solved... One of my Great Aunts had a huge Penny Collection --which disappeared sometime somewhere... Not sure what happened to all of those pennies.....
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
I could certainly use a little purification myself now!
ReplyDeleteThat is hilarious! What a patient wait, and you still have the photos!!! :-)
ReplyDelete