Snake, also known as “hebi” is the best example of
how the kami works. Known for their protection
against misfortunate and illness despite their
malicious appearances, one of the most unique trait
associated with them is the fact that they know
when someone has conducted an improper act and
would slither away from the place that could
potentially lead to disasters due to the appearance
of the tsumi. What makes it so extraordinary is the
fact that you can tell whether an earthquake is
coming from their behavior, they would come out of
their habitats and when you see groups of them
moving about, they are actually going to a safer
place to avoid natural disasters. This survival instinct
is built within them thus they present the image of
stability. Snakes are only “happy to be there” when it
is a safe environment, which eventually lead to the
assumptions of prosperity and wisdom from their
conducts. Their behavior is applied to the human
condition and creates an interesting aspect in how
humans adapted different beliefs and
demonstrating their respects for it through an
irreversible decision of inking it as an art piece on
their skin.
@kyoto.tsujibori
Karashishi, or lion dogs, are statues
commonly see stationed outside the
entrance of a shrine. Often seen as a pair,
the one on the right is a male karashishi
called “Komainu” with the opened mouth
making a “ah” sound. While the female on
the left is a “Shishi” with its mouth
mimicking the “uh” sound. They form the
first and last syllables in the Japanese
alphabet and together, it becomes a “om”
sound. Which is a scared note that the
common used to contact with the kamis. It
also signifies the beginning and the
ending, the boundless. Often paired with
peonies for their properties to fight off
tsumi or diseases, their combination evokes
implication of protection and said to ward
off evil.
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Motifs & Symbolisms