A Monumental Welcome: The Giant Torii of Kumano Hongu Taisha

‍A visit to Kumano Hongu Taisha in Wakayama Prefecture reveals Japan's largest Torii. This impressive structure stands 33.9 meters high and spans 42 meters wide. Built of steel, it is situated amidst fields. From a distance, it evokes a sense of awe, appearing particularly impactful when viewed through mist or against the backdrop of a sunset.

Myth, Heritage, and the Sacred Geography of Kumano

‍Kumano Hongu Taisha itself boasts a history tracing back to ancient Japanese mythology. The earliest accounts are found in texts such as the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki. Legend holds that the Kumano region is a sacred site where deities descended. The Kumano Sanzan, comprising the Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi shrines, are significant locations for enshrining these deities. Kumano Hongu Taisha is characterized as a "deity of present-life benefits," with its core belief centered on the "salvation of all beings". Consequently, the shrine attracts many visitors for both worship and sightseeing, including a significant number of people from European and American countries, partly due to its status as a World Heritage site.

‍The Ubiquity and Variation of the Torii Across Japan

‍Whether one is entering Kumano Hongu Taisha, stepping onto the grounds of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, or even stumbling upon a small shrine in the countryside, a consistent "entrance symbol" is observed before every shrine: the Torii. Pronounced "toriyi" (とりい) in Japanese, these gates vary in appearance. Some are vividly vermilion, others are simply plain stone, and some show their age, marked by moss. Confronted by these structures, one is naturally led to ask: why are Torii built in front of shrines, and what exactly do they do? This question opens the door to understanding the "gate culture" behind Japanese shrines and exploring the origins and cultural significance carried by the Torii.

From Birds to Boundaries: Interpreting the Torii's Symbolism

‍Upon hearing the term "Torii," many might mistakenly associate it with "birds," as the literal characters can be interpreted as "bird dwelling" or "bird perch". However, this understanding is incorrect. The true function of the Torii is as a "boundary marker" between the divine and the human. The act of passing through this gate signifies a transition from the secular, everyday human world into a sacred and solemn realm.

Theories of Origin: Shinto, Buddhism, and Solar Mythology

‍The origins of the Torii are subject to various theories. One widely accepted perspective suggests it arose from the reverence shown towards the dwelling places of divine spirits in ancient Japanese Shinto belief. According to Shinto concepts, the areas inhabited by humans are regarded as the "present world", while the abodes of deities are termed the "sacred realm" . The Torii, in this view, serves as a symbol marking the division between these two worlds.
Another theory posits a connection between the Torii and the "Torana gates" found in front of ancient Indian Buddhist temples. Torana gates are described as highly symbolic ritual gateways in ancient Indian religious architecture, representing entry into sacred ground and symbolizing a pathway to wisdom. This perspective suggests that Indian Buddhism, upon its introduction to Japan via the Korean Peninsula and China, merged with the indigenous Shinto practices, eventually evolving into the current style of the Torii.

Furthermore, some propose that the Torii symbolizes the "gate where the sun rises". Within ancient Japanese mythology, Amaterasu Omikami holds prominence as the sun goddess and the chief deity. The placement of Torii facing east, welcoming the sunrise, is interpreted as symbolizing the channel through which deities descend from the heavenly realm to the human world.

The Meaning Behind the Gate: Color, Purpose, and Everyday Reverence

‍A notable observation about almost all Torii is the empty space beneath them, allowing people, worshippers, and even animals like dogs to pass freely. This feature is seen as a unique aspect of Shinto culture. It suggests that deities are not entirely separate from humanity but exist with a "gentle boundary," one that is both solemn and not aggressively imposing.

Regardless of its specific origin, the ultimate purpose of the Torii's presence before Japanese shrines remains singular: to remind those who approach, "From here is the place of the deities, please set aside your mundane thoughts."

‍The most commonly observed color for Japanese Torii is a vibrant vermilion, sometimes referred to as "dan color" . In ancient times, this color was believed to possess the power to ward off evil and prevent disaster. Beyond this symbolic meaning, the color also serves a practical function: protecting the wood. The vermilion pigment contains cinnabar, which is mercuric sulfide. Cinnabar is known to have antiseptic and insect repellent effects. This natural coating is particularly beneficial in Japan's humid and rainy climate, as it helps to prolong the lifespan of the wooden structures.

For Japanese people, shrines are more than just places for worship; they serve as a source of spiritual support during challenging periods in life. Walking through a Torii is not merely crossing a threshold; it is akin to entering a "psychological restart" mode. Each Torii stands as a cultural reflection of that deep-seated belief within the Japanese consciousness: "Because there is reverence, there is stability". Observing many Japanese individuals pausing and offering a gentle bow upon passing through a Torii can offer insight. This gesture is not necessarily rooted in superstition. Instead, it can be understood as an act performed amidst the demands of reality, a moment taken to reclaim that sense of solemnity and purity that belongs to life itself.

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