Sakaki

Sakaki, the sacred tree of Shinto in Japan and his legend

In the Shinto religion in Japan, nature is something sanctified. To be able to relate to nature means to be close to God. Natural objects revered as sacred spirits (called us). Especially Sakaki tree or have a latin Cleyera this japonica. Sakaki tree is a tree with lush green leaves that are found in mythology, literature and sacred rituals in Japan.

 

In the spring, Sakaki tree fragrances issued by the falling white flowers followed by the appearance of small dark red fruit-shaped. This tree grows in warm temperate parts of Japan, Korea and China. Kojiki (Ancient books) is a very valuable record for the Shinto religion and thought to date from the 8th century. Based on the writings and other references from Japanese mythology, Sakaki tree has a significant role in Japan's creation story. In ancient times the holy life partner named Izanagi and Isanami that makes the Japanese islands and their children became gods in various Japanese clans. Their daughters, Amaterasu (Goddess who shines great nan) was born from the left eye of his father who eventually became the Sun Goddess. This goddess of the Japanese imperial family to admit where they came from. 

His brother Susanoo, the storm god was given the task to lead the ocean, but before going Susanoo destroyed rice fields and causing Amaterasu ravaged homes. Feeling upset and angry, Amaterasu finally went into a cave and shut down. This led the world into darkness. To lure Amaterasu out of hiding, the gods finally bring Sakaki tree branches 500 of Mount Kaga in heaven to be put on the front door of the cave was inhabited by Amaterasu.

At the top of the tree branch mounted Sakaki 500 gems, with a mirror placed in the middle high and eight feet at the bottom of the tree in place the various offerings. The gods then make noise and have fun outside the cave. Amaterasu was curious why the gods are still able to rejoice when the world was pitch black. From outside the gods say that there exists a more radiant goddess Amaterasu from the self. Feeling very curious about the competitors Amaterasu came out and saw her reflection from a mirror mounted on a tree Sakaki.

Before realizing he was trapped, the gods throw shimenawa or sacred rope of straw before the door closed cave. Finally the world went back to the light and life continues. Amaterasu was worshiped at Ise Shrine Besae which is the main temple in Japan. Goddess is manifested in the mirror, which is one of the three imperial treasures of Japan. Sakaki itself in place in Shinnō-mihashira or holy places located in the center of the temple and surrounded by buildings made ​​of wood. Sakaki tree usually fitted with mirrors on the other Shinto shrine.

Sakaki tree often used as a metaphor in literature and works of art in Japan. Sakaki is also mentioned in the fragments of ancient religious writings that mention that this tree represents fidelity and stability while also expressing the eternal presence and power of the goddess in the temple. Shinto religious ceremonies using Sakaki tree in the ritual. In a sacred ceremony called gohei ribbon, hang a rope of straw or twigs of the sacred sacred Sakaki tree is used to invoke the presence of the holy spirit.

Gohei also known as Oho-nusa or holy offerings and still used in many important religious ceremonies in Japan. Oho-nusa using two sticks linked together and connected with a straw and a few pieces of paper. One stick is made of wood and the other Sakaki tree of bamboo. Moreover, symbols of worship in the Izumo region involving Sakaki leaves tied on the banners prayer called nobori. In the Izumo shrine nobori there are many that adorn the temple with a white color.