Would never have known about the millions of Shinto deities. What is the double helical straw rope tied above the doorway to the honden? Very intriguing. Thanks for such a nice travelogue.
Thanks! The straw rope is called shimenawa and is usually woven from hemp, but also rice or wheat straw. The rope symbolizes the sanctity of the space it is tied around. xo
Would never have known about the millions of Shinto deities. What is the double helical straw rope tied above the doorway to the honden? Very intriguing. Thanks for such a nice travelogue.
Thanks! The straw rope is called shimenawa and is usually woven from hemp, but also rice or wheat straw. The rope symbolizes the sanctity of the space it is tied around. xo