Hello everybody in the world! Welcome to the blog How Unique Japan!
Through this blog, we always share some interesting things about Japan. So, what comes today?
First, I would like to ask: have you seen bamboo objects standing at diagonal angles in a traditional Japanese garden? These typically appear in the gardens of temples, shrines, or big houses in Japan.
Some historical movies also show them sometimes.
It looks like a child’s toy seesaw.
They look a bit strange. Water drips from a higher point onto the cut surface. Once filled with water, the bamboo leans under its weight. Indeed. The object naturally directs water to a lower point, often to a pond or puddle on a large stone.
We named them Shishi Odoshi. What are they?
The features of Shishi Odoshi
The most unique feature is its sound when the water runs out. That seesaw-like object will return to the same position. Then the opposite side of the cut surface (root) hits the flat stone.
The sound resembles a small drum due to the scooped-out bamboo knots. Indeed. The impact shock easily reflects inside due to the emptiness. It makes a loud sound.
Many Japanese people really like that sound. It resembles a drum, yet it evokes a different feeling.
OK. The structure is quite simple. However, we still do not mention the reason for the object. Why do Japanese people typically prefer to place them in their yards?
The meaning of Shishi Odoshi
Before we talk about Shishi Odoshi, it is important to understand the significance of yards in Japanese culture.
In ancient times in Japan, yards were not suitable for outdoor activities such as BBQs or water play. In contrast, these areas are meant for relaxation through enjoying the natural scenery of rocks, plants, and fragrant ponds or rivers.
Indeed. They seem more like the royal gardens in the UK for tea times. Thus, we sometimes connect the yards to meditation or Zen. With their calm, peaceful silence, Japanese yards mean that. (Certainly, the yards are also for outdoor activities. Of course.)
Wait a minute. It should be ridiculous.
That sharp sound from Shishi Odoshi will bother the silence. Is it disturbing?
Interestingly, the purpose is indeed correct. The sound is meant to emphasize the silence. Please envision two situations: a vast expanse of flowers stretching across the horizon, or a beautiful green field filling your sight, where you find a small flower.
Of course, we can never truly compare the beauty of those different sights. At least, we will appreciate the beauty of the small flower in the full green field.
The bamboo object, Shishi Odoshi, works in the same way. Yes. We can feel the silence emphasized by the knocking sound.
With just one knock, we notice the peaceful and silent environment. The Shishi Odoshi embodies this meaning.
The origin of Shishi Odoshi
The concept of Shishi Odoshi originated in agricultural tools and aimed not to promote silence, but to deter animals that threaten crops such as vegetables, rice, and other food products.
Indeed, they worked like scarecrows. As you may know, Japan has vast forest areas where animals reside. Therefore, crop protection measures were essential.
After struggling to create effective protections, farmers finally invented Shishi Odoshi, which made loud sounds. The amount of water could change the timing of the knocks.
Then, a scholar from Kyoto Prefecture recognized the potential for traditional Japanese gardens. It is funny that its purpose was originally to scare animals. However, it now serves as a tool for meditation.
To close
It was a briefing on the strange object, Shishi Odoshi. If you’re still interested in Japanese religion related to Zen ideas, you can read more about it on this page. It is: What is the Japanese religion? Please challenge it!
Not over yet! This blog also contains another topic. They are about the Japanese lifestyle, food, and Edo era! They could be worth information of Japan you want to know!
Thank you so much for reading this page! See you for the nest Japanese uniqueness!