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We always share Japanese features through this website. So, what comes today?
This time, we will write about a sacred tool that Shintoist monks always use.
Have you seen a monk swinging a stick with paper ribbons like a duster beyond the customer’s head?
It is Gohei.
Today, let us dive into the details of the unique tool.
Why do the Shinto monks use it?
We said it seemed a duster. Indeed. It works like that.
The monks swing it to purify (or browse away) the bad luck, or karma.
Besides, the Gohei itself means offering to the Gods of Shintoism.
Not yet. It has more duties. It is the medium of the gods.
In Shintoism, borrowing the sacred power of the gods through any medium is a common idea in any shrine.
Indeed. The unique duster can work as a branch, clone, or alter ego of the gods.
(Apologize. We can not find a proper word for the exchange in English. It is called Yorishiro in Japan.)
Thus, the stick with ribbons has sacred power.
It can purify our souls and spaces, symbolizing their sacredness.
Oh dear. Such multiple duties.
Next, let us see how such a busy duster was born.
The history
We have already said. The Gohei is the offering to god.
The origin is from that idea.
In ancient times, people offered essential equipment for life. For instance, the items included agricultural tools such as a hoe or plow, mirrors, and high-quality, beautiful fabric.
So, how old is the habit?
Historically, it might date back to the Kofun era, which spanned from 250 to 538 AD.
Indeed. The culture of offering is quite old. And the stick revolution followed Japanese history.
Around the Heian era (from 794 to 1185 AD), the Japanese started to stick those high-quality (folded) clothes at the tip of the stick to raise them close to the Gods.
It was the origin of the Gohei.
During the Edo period (1603 – 1867), Shintoist monks transformed their fine clothing into square paper ribbons.
So, it finally became similar to the present day.
The role of the stick has remained unchanged since ancient times; it serves to offer and purify.
One more fact
It is a sacred item for Japanese people. However, we can buy them from each shrine as a trisman.
It can be a good souvenir.
To close
The Gohei ribbon is indeed a unique equipment of Shintoism shrines. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg about the religions in Japan that you might expect.
Yep. We still have more tips about those in this article. If you are interested, please click that and challenge.
Moreover, our blog now has the other three categories. They are about the Japanese lifestyle, foods (cuisine), and the Edo era. Keep them in your mind.
Thank you for reading this article! We can not say that enough.
See you soon for the next feature of Japan!