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.
Posted by Yoshi at 2:41 PM
Labels: , , , , , , ,

35 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    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. Ms. BeckyJanuary 28, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    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. BirgittaJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    Great b&w shot!

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  4. CarverJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:27 PM

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

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  5. MarieJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    A nice B&W photo.

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  6. KayJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    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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  7. Snow LeopardJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:21 PM

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

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  8. DagrunJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:47 PM

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

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  9. LuiJanuary 28, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    The dragon was probably watching for trespassers!

    I like the sculptural elements. ;-)

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  10. genieJanuary 29, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    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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  11. Maude LynnJanuary 29, 2011 at 12:41 AM

    Gorgeous!

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  12. JamesJanuary 29, 2011 at 1:10 AM

    Great perspective of a very interestibg subject.

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  13. T. BecqueJanuary 29, 2011 at 6:31 AM

    Nice detail in bw!

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  14. UnknownJanuary 29, 2011 at 11:31 AM

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

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  15. DragonstarJanuary 29, 2011 at 11:50 AM

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

    Thank you for an interesting and informative post.

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  16. Laerte PupoJanuary 29, 2011 at 11:55 AM

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

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  17. Lily RianiJanuary 29, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    am learning alot from you daily. thanks

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  18. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    Wow - stunning shot. As usual.

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  19. Magical Mystical TeacherJanuary 29, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    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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  20. LauraJanuary 29, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    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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  21. RalphJanuary 29, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    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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  22. BLOGitseJanuary 29, 2011 at 4:33 PM

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

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  23. Sylvia KJanuary 29, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    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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  24. snowwhiteJanuary 29, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  25. snowwhiteJanuary 29, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    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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  26. KarenJanuary 29, 2011 at 7:51 PM

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

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  27. SarahJanuary 29, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    Beautiful shot and interesting information too thanks!

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  28. SerendipityJanuary 29, 2011 at 11:16 PM

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

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  29. sheilaJanuary 29, 2011 at 11:57 PM

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

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  30. Gemma WisemanJanuary 30, 2011 at 12:01 AM

    An intriguing photo! The monochrome beautifully highlights the detail!

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  31. ArijaJanuary 30, 2011 at 1:51 AM

    Great convoluted shapes and shadows!

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  32. Hootin AnniJanuary 30, 2011 at 1:04 PM

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


    Mermaid Shadows

    Hope you're having a super Sunday!!

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  33. lina@home sweet homeJanuary 31, 2011 at 3:44 AM

    A stunning dragon!

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  34. OlaJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    interesting entry and explaination!

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  35. KalaJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    Wonderful details & light.

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