Meoto Iwa

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Zeimusu (talk | contribs) at 05:39, 19 November 2005 (create base article). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)

Meoto Iwa (夫婦岩) or Wedded Rocks are a couple of small rocky stacks in the sea off Futami, Mie. They are joined by a shimenawa (a heavy rope of rice straw) and are considered sacred by worshippers at the neighbhouring Okitama-jinja. In Japanese Shinto the rocks represent the union of creator gods Izanagi and Izanami. The rocks therefore celebrate the union in marriage of man and woman. The rope must be replaced several times a year in a special ceremony. The larger rock, said to be male, has a small Torii at its peak.

The best time to see the rocks is at dawn during the summer, when appears to rise between them. Mount Fuji is also distantly visible. At low tide the rocks are not separated by water.

Okitama-jinja is dedicated to a food goddess Miketsu. There are numerous statues of frogs around the jinja. The jinja and rocks are located near to Ise Jingu, the most important Shinto location.

References