Shimenawa: Sacred Rope of Japan (しめ縄：日本の神聖な縄)
English Explanation for Yogi
Shimenawa (注連縄), a very important and sacred object in Japan's Shinto religion.
A Shimenawa is a sacred straw rope used to designate a pure or holy space.
It acts as a barrier against evil spirits and signifies that the area it surrounds is consecrated by a kami (a Shinto deity or spirit).
すとろーろーぷ、なるほど。しんぷる。
You will often see Shimenawa:
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At the entrance of Shinto shrines (Jinja): Marking the boundary between the ordinary world and the sacred dwelling of the kami.
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Around sacred trees or rocks: Indicating that the natural object itself is home to a spirit.
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During New Year's (Shogatsu): Smaller versions are hung on homes to invite good luck and purify the house for the coming year.
The distinctive paper strips attached to the rope are called Shide (紙垂). They are usually folded in a zigzag pattern and further enhance the purifying power of the Shimenawa.
🛠 How to Make a Simple Shimenawa (簡単な作り方)
The traditional method is quite complex, but here is a simplified version of the twisting technique:
う～ん？？濡らす気がする。ちょっとちがうかも？？
| 🇺🇸 English (作り方) | 🇯🇵 日本語 (Making Process) |
| 1. Gather Materials: You need dry, long straw (rice straw is ideal) and a thin cord for securing the ends. | 1. 材料の準備: 乾燥した長い稲わら（米わらが最適）と、端を縛るための細いひもを用意します。 |
| 2. Divide the Straw: Split the straw into two equal bundles. | 2. わらを二束に分ける: わらをほぼ等量の二つの束に分けます。 |
| 3. Start Twisting: Crucially, one bundle must be twisted clockwise and the other counter-clockwise. | 3. ねじり始める: 非常に重要ですが、片方の束は時計回りに、もう片方は反時計回りにねじります。 |
| 4. Combine and Twist: Put the two individually twisted bundles together and twist them around each other (usually in the direction of the clockwise-twisted bundle). This creates the characteristic tight rope with a thick-to-thin taper. | 4. 合わせる: ねじった二つの束を合わせ、さらに互いにねじり合わせます（通常は時計回りにねじった束の方向へ）。こうして、太い方から細い方へという特徴的な形が生まれます。 |
| 5. Add Shide: Secure the rope and insert the folded paper strips (Shide) into the twists. | 5. 紙垂を付ける: 縄の端を固定し、折りたたんだ紙垂を縄の間に挟み入れます。 |
🇮🇳 हिन्दी में व्याख्या (Explanation in Hindi)
नमस्ते योगी जी,
मैं आपको जापान की शिंटो धर्म की एक बहुत ही महत्वपूर्ण और पवित्र वस्तु, शिमेनावा (Shimenawa) के बारे में बताते हुए बहुत खुशी महसूस कर रही हूँ।
शिमेनावा एक पवित्र पुआल (घास/तिनके) की रस्सी होती है जिसका उपयोग शुद्ध या पवित्र स्थान को चिन्हित करने के लिए किया जाता है। यह बुरी आत्माओं के खिलाफ एक रुकावट (barrier) के रूप में कार्य करती है और यह दर्शाती है कि इसके आस-पास का क्षेत्र एक कामी (Kami - शिंटो देवता या आत्मा) द्वारा पवित्र किया गया है।
आप शिमेनावा को अक्सर इन स्थानों पर देखेंगे:
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शिंटो मंदिरों (जिंजा) के प्रवेश द्वार पर: सामान्य दुनिया और कामी के पवित्र निवास के बीच की सीमा को चिह्नित करते हुए।
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पवित्र पेड़ों या चट्टानों के चारों ओर: यह इंगित करते हुए कि प्राकृतिक वस्तु स्वयं एक आत्मा का घर है।
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नए साल (शोगात्सु) के दौरान: छोटे संस्करण घरों पर लटकाए जाते हैं ताकि सौभाग्य को आमंत्रित किया जा सके और आने वाले वर्ष के लिए घर को शुद्ध किया जा सके।
रस्सी से जुड़ी हुई विशिष्ट कागज़ की पट्टियाँ को शिदे (Shide) कहा जाता है। ये आमतौर पर ज़िगज़ैग पैटर्न में मुड़ी होती हैं और शिमेनावा की शुद्धिकरण शक्ति को और बढ़ाती हैं।
The strongest no-trespassing（不法侵入しない・・・？） rope that marks the barrier between God and humans, and humans and demons.
At the end of the year, in preparation for the New Year, new shimenawa ropes are strung up (string up つるされている；緊張）at each shrine, and Shimenawa decorations are also placed on the front doors and cars of each household.
The origin of this shimenawa dates back to Japanese mythology. It is said that the shrine began when the gods tied Shirikume ropes around the Iwato to prevent Amaterasu Omikami from re-entering the Iwato after coming out of the Amanoiwato, meaning that entry was prohibited. so,Shimenawa is a barrier that marks the realm between gods and humans and prevents evil things from entering. そんなにぱっきり...is the area can be separated so perfectly??
But there was.
I walked around the streets of Kyoto at the end of the year looking for the shimenawa.
Although it was a little early to prepare for the new year, shrines are probably the place where you can see shimenawa all year round. What I noticed when I actually visited the place is,There are also different ways to stretch the shimenawa rope.That's it. The main type was a single letter shape stretched out like a single line, but there were also U-shapes with a sagging center（たるんだ中心） and wave shapes.
We also saw the Gion Festival and Mt. Hashibenkei's power ropes. One year period,Shimenawa decorations, which have continued to protect the purity of the red light district, have a different flavor from those used at home.It was interesting, and the beauty of the cityscape made me feel very refreshed.
しめ縄も色々種類あるの意味があるの興味深い
BOUNDARY引くという意味ではなんか親近感？？
Japanese New Year's Decorations — Seattle Japanese Garden
Japanese New Year's Decorations
By Yukari Yamano
In Japan, January is considered to be the most important month of the year. Traditionally Japanese believe that Toshigami-sama (年神様 New Year’s deity) descends in the first month of the year and visits their home and leaves good luck for their coming year. （としがみさまって1月にくるんだ） お礼はいつすればいいんだろう いつ
Kadomatsu is a mark for Toshigami-sama to find a home that they are welcomed in. They only visit homes with Kadomatsu. A pair of Kadomatsu is set at the house gates. Typical Kadomatsu decoration has three plants: pine (松) branches, bamboos (竹) and plum (梅) sprigs. Three bamboos are put in the center surrounded by pine branches. Plum sprigs are added to them as an accent. They are bundled together with straws at the bottom.
Pine trees, bamboos and plum trees are auspicious plants in Japan. Even under the cold weather, pine tree’s green color does not fade. They are considered sacred and strong. Bamboos grow straight up and multiply one after another vigorously. They represent vitality and prosperity of descendants. Plum trees fleshly blossom in the cold weather and are a symbol of integrity. These plants are often used for ceremonies. In Japan, these three plants have been used as a theme for paintings and called, “Three Friends of Winter”.
Originally Kadomatsu was put together with only pines. From Muromachi period (1338–1573), Bamboos were added to it. Bamboos have two types of cuts. One is a flat cut at the joint and the other is diagonal slice. The diagonally sliced version has some interesting stories.
One episode comes from Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康), a founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan during Edo-period (1603 – 1868). He lost his battle to Takeda Shingen (武田信玄, Known as the "Tiger of Kai" with exceptional military prestige) at the battle of Mikatagahara (January 25, 1573). This was his only loss in his battles. He was so mortified that he exclaimed to beat Shingen at the next battle and slashed off a bamboo with his sword — Ieyasu saw Take (a bamboo) as Takeda Shingen. This story is said to be the origin of Kadomatsu with diagonal cut bamboos.
いいのかな。
This deity is also called Toshitokujin (歳徳神), a deity who governs good luck of the year. He is believed to bring abundant harvest and good health. Some Japanese also think that the deity is their ancestor who ascended to mountains and became a spirit. Therefore, Toshigami-sama is not one specific deity and is considered to be gender free. （じぇんだーふりーなとしがみさま）
In any case, Toshigami-sama is seen to bring happiness to families in Japan.
Japanese have special decorations for Toshigami-sama.
Typical ones are Kadomatsu (門松, New Year’s pine and bamboo decorations), shimekazari (しめ飾り, Sacred straw festoon) and Kagamimochi (鏡餅, Round mirror-shaped rice cakes).
あるいみディワリであの、、なんだっけ名前忘れたけどラクシュミを呼ぶためのらんごーり！と似てる
Kadomatsu is a mark for Toshigami-sama to find a home that they are welcomed in.
これらんごーり似てるよな
They only visit homes with Kadomatsu. A pair of Kadomatsu is set at the house gates.門だからふたつなのね～てか門松の漢字が門 やしな
Typical Kadomatsu decoration has three plants: pine (松) branches, bamboos (竹) and plum (梅) sprigs. うめをちゃんとみてないかも
Three bamboos are put in the center surrounded by pine branches. Plum sprigs are added to them as an accent. They are bundled together with straws at the bottom.
Pine trees, bamboos and plum trees are auspicious吉兆 ！！plants in Japan.
Even under the cold weather, pine tree’s green color does not fade.（確かに鮮やか）
They are considered sacred and strong. Bamboos grow straight up and multiply one after another vigorously. They represent vitality and prosperity of descendants. （にょきにょきだね）
Plum trees fleshly blossom in the cold weather and are a symbol of integrity. （いんてぐりてぃーなの！確かに寒くてもきれいに咲くよね）
These plants are often used for ceremonies. In Japan, these three plants have been used as a theme for paintings and called, “Three Friends of Winter”.
Originally Kadomatsu was put together with only pines.（まつだけだったのか。名前的にもメインではあるかんじするね）
From Muromachi period (1338–1573), Bamboos were added to it. Bamboos have two types of cuts. One is a flat cut at the joint and the other is diagonal slice. （、「dia-」（通り抜ける、横断する）と「gonia」（角、隅）から成り立つ）ななめすらいす
The diagonally sliced version has some interesting stories.
One episode comes from Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康), a founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan during Edo-period (1603 – 1868). He lost his battle to Takeda Shingen (武田信玄, Known as the "Tiger of Kai" with exceptional military prestige) at the battle of Mikatagahara (January 25, 1573). This was his only loss in his battles.
He was so mortified （mortifiedは、ラテン語mortificareに由来し「死なせる」から比喩的に「打ちのめす・屈辱を与える」を経て、現在は「ひどく恥ずかしい」の意味で用いられる ）that he exclaimed to beat Shingen at the next battle and slashed off a bamboo with his sword — Ieyasu saw Take (a bamboo) as Takeda Shingen. This story is said to be the origin of Kadomatsu with diagonal cut bamboos. （へええ・・・・それをなんで門松にしたのかは謎だが）
しめかざり！！
Generally, Shimekazari (Sacred straw festoonお祭りの飾り) and Shimenawa (Sacred braided straw rope) are used to indicate pure space for deities to reside.
In Japan, at shrines, ritual sites and old trees, Simenawa is put in order to announce deities' existence. Did you notice that the big camphorくすのき樟脳 tree in the movie, “My Neighbor Totoro” has a Shimenawa around it? えええトトロの木が何かとかしめ縄あるかとか見てなかった。。
At New Year, Shimekazari is hung above the house gate or front door and at the family alter (if they have one) to welcome Toshigami-sama.
The auspicious plants used for New Year’s Shimekazari are Urajiro (裏白, Gleichenia japonica, fern), Daidai (橙 Sapindales Rutaceae, orange), and Yuzuriha (譲り葉 Daphniphyllum macropodum).
Urajiro is a type of fern（シダ。ふぁーん）. Because the underside is white, it is considered to represent honesty. It also alludes to white hair which is a symbol of longevity. The fronds grew in pairs. They were seen as a faithful couple growing old together. Yuzuri in Yuzuriha means to hand over. Because the old leaves of Yuzuriha do not fall off until new leaves come out, they represent a long pedigree.(血統）
Daidai is also written Daidai (代々), meaning “from generation to generation”. Daidai fruits are ripened during winter time and stay on the tree for a long time; sometimes more than a year, so the tree has multiple generations of the fruits together and that was seen as a symbol of family prosperity.
ヘ～～そんなに血筋家系的な意味の植物たちだったのか～～～
かがみもち！！
Kagamimochi is a set of two round mirror-shaped rice cakes, a small one is put on top of a large cake. The shape of Kagamimochi represents ancient copper mirror from Yayoi period (300BC – 250AD). The mirror was one of the Three Sacred Treasures in Japan. The mirror projected sunlight and was used as Yorishiro, the representative of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Omikami. 大木や巨岩、山などに神が降りてきて憑りつく対象や領域のことを依り代と言い、ご神体として崇められます。
依り代とは | やすらか庵 人が依り代となる場合には巫(かんなぎ)と言われ、卑弥呼は祈祷師としての巫女として国を動かす政(まつりごと)を行っていました。
へええ
Mochi which was made from rice was considered to be sacred and the round shaped rice cakes were regarded as Yorishiro for Toshigami-sama. Kagamimochi is put in an elevated alcove（くぼみ、とこのま） in a traditional Japanese room, or in an important location inside the house.
Addition to Urajiro, Daidai and Yuzuriha, Kushigaki (串柿, Skewered persimmons) can be added to Kagamimochi. There are two classes of Japanese persimmons: astringent and non-astringent. Non-astringent persimmons are sweet in fresh and astringent ones are bitter and cannot be eaten as they are. The persimmons used for Kushigaki are astringent. These persimmons, once dried, are sweeter than fresh non-astringent persimmons. They are the symbol of the great result of hard training.（そうなんやーしぶがき、干されるから、ハードトレーニング…） It says, “A bitter persimmon no one wants can become the decoration of the alcove at home when it is trained diligently”. With this Kushigaki, Kagamimochi represents the Three Sacred Treasures in Japan. Rounded rice cakes are the mirror. A bitter orange is the Jewel. And, a persimmon skewer is the sword. 鏡と宝石と刀ねぇ
To prepare for Toshigami-sama's arrival, traditionally Japanese clean and purify shrines, temples and houses on December 13th. （13日！？そんなにはやいの！！）
After the cleaning is the beginning of the New Year. Japanese start decorating these special ornaments any time after December 13th. Usually, a preferred date is the 28th because the letter, 八(8) spreads toward the end meaning increasing success and is considered an auspicious number and also it is after Christmas day. Many families in Japan hang a wreath, decorate a tree and eat a cake to celebrate Christmas. They even get gifts from Santa!
The dates Japanese avoid are the 29th and 31st. The 29th is ominous.（ominousの語源は、ラテン語の「ominus」に由来しています。このラテン語は「前兆」や「兆候」を意味し、特に悪い事が起こる前の暗示として使われていました）
2 represents twice and 9 which reads as “Ku” in Japanese is considered “Suffer”. The 29th was thought to be the day to invite doubled suffering. They also avoid the New Year’s Eve, because it is considered “One night decoration” which is the same process as Japanese funeral preparation and said to invite a bad luck. （へえ葬式との関連…）
