Followers

2011/01/28

Dragon


Shinto religion is strict and abhorrent of the status called "Kegare (穢れ)". After passing the entrance gate of a shrine, you are supposed to purify yourself at the "water ablution pavilion" named Temizuya (手水舎). With a sacred water running at the Temizuya, you wash your hands and rinse out your mouth. You can find a variety of animal statues "spitting" sacred water. Dragon is one of the common animals you can find at Temizuya since the dragon is regarded as a Suijin - water deity- (水神).

It looks a bit evil, but don't worry, the dragon will not bite your hands!

This is a Black and White Weekend, Shadow Shot Sunday #141.


            


Have a wonderful weekend.

35 comments:

  1. Nice photo in B&W. I like dragons, but some of them are really scary.
    When I was a child, one of my favorite TV show was a serial about a poor but friendly dragon who had only one head unlike his father with 7 heads :)

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  2. ah, the festival photo is magnificent. Your fish eye again? It's delightful with the vibrant color and blue skies and masks. and I would enjoy being cleansed by a dragon spewing purified water. It seems a bit like the holy water of the Catholic faith. beautiful detail in the B & W. have a wonderful weekend Yoshi!

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  3. That's a wonderful shot of the dragon and works great in black and white.

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  4. When we were visiting the temples, I could see the washing of the hands but I had a hard time with the rinsing out of your mouth with the communal dipper.

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  5. Neat shot. Interesting to see that such a lot of Asian cultures have dragon in them.

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  6. Dragons as a religious animal seems logical. Very nice detail.

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  7. The dragon was probably watching for trespassers!

    I like the sculptural elements. ;-)

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  8. What a fascinating photo and explanation. Catholics simply use holy water....we Episcopalians do nothing...but this rite is impressive. Your photograph is beautiful and captures the dragon so well. All of the vivid detail just adds to the interestingness of this shot.

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  9. Great perspective of a very interestibg subject.

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  10. So sharp!
    I love those details... :)

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  11. I particularly like the claws - well, i love any dragon depiction ;)

    Thank you for an interesting and informative post.

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  12. Do these animals really exist?
    Or is it just a creation of the human mind?

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  13. am learning alot from you daily. thanks

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  14. Wow - stunning shot. As usual.

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  15. Are you SURE that dragon won't bite?

    IF YOU SEE A SHADOW

    If you see a shadow
    And want to keep it near,
    Point your trusty shooter
    (Make sure the lens is clear);
    Press with care the shutter,
    Do not slam or sock it—
    Then you’ll have a photo
    To carry in your pocket!


    © 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher


    Shadows Dancing

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  16. so interesting yoshi...thank you for sharing your stunning photos and also your beautiful cultural heritage...I am learning so much from you:)

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  17. The dragon on first glance is strong, a powerful deity. Yet the up-close view is more complex than that, the shadowy scales adding a depth of character we don't see from afar. Nicely captured!

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  18. I'm not a dragon lover but your shot I like! :)

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  19. Terrific shadow shot for the day, Yoshi! I, too, love the cultural heritage that you share with us! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

    Sylvia

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  21. Wow, verrrrry dinamic!!!

    It is interesting both fire and water are used for purification in Japan.

    Also it is interesting an image of a dragon is very different or almost opposite in Japan and in the West.

    Thank you for your great picture.

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  22. A terrific shot for both SSSunday and b&w weekend Yoshi. I always enjoy reading your commentary as well.

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  23. Beautiful shot and interesting information too thanks!

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  24. That's a lovely image - perfect in black and white.

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  25. I just love the little bits of historical info you put with your pics!

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  26. An intriguing photo! The monochrome beautifully highlights the detail!

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  27. Great convoluted shapes and shadows!

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  28. Wow.....that photo is so very impressive!!!!


    Mermaid Shadows

    Hope you're having a super Sunday!!

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  29. interesting entry and explaination!

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