Week In Review
January 5, 2007
I went to the Daijingu Shinto temple on Tuesday to get an Omamori. I am not sure why, but I just felt like I needed one this year. I hadn’t been to temple in years. I think I went to this one a few years ago for a class, but I don’t remember why or if it really was this one. But, as soon as I pulled into the parking lot, I remembered the temple as the place my Grandpa used to take me for New Year’s. It’s sad, but what I distinctly remember is that I would love going there because I would get these Japanese rainbow lollipops. It’s a good memory for me though – a memory of me and my Grandpa sharing a tradition. I still look for those lollipops in stores, but I don’t think I’ve ever found them.My Mom came along with me. I think we were supposed to ring a bell before entering, but we didn’t because it’s been so long since either of us went there. Upon entering, I saw the big old donation box that I remembered being there from childhood – as well as the Omikuji vending machine. After we entered, a guy there waved a branch covered in strips of paper over our heads. Again, it’s been so long, I don’t remember what that symbolizes unfortunately.
We then headed to the Omamori table to see what was available. I was offered a little cup of some liquid out of a tea pot, so of course I thought it was tea. It wasn’t. It was sake! Sake is used in Shinto purification rituals – much like wine is used in Christian churches. You know what’s funny? I think that is the first time I can remember drinking sake. I really don’t know if I ever had any before. I thought it hit me pretty hard even though it was less than a medicine cup full. I just don’t tolerate alcohol all that well. Doh.
Anyways, of course since I am poor, I was hoping that the Omamoris would be for sale for a “suggested donation,” but alas they weren’t. Oh the prices listed were listed as donations, but it’s not like I was going to haggle the ladies there. I picked up one Omamori for general good luck and I also got some good luck rice paper. You are supposed to tear pieces off of the paper and cook them with your rice – so you get good luck when you eat rice.
I didn’t take any pictures of the actual temple. I just thought it would be disrespectful for some reason.
