21℃
-
20℃
20℃
-
20℃
20℃
-
20℃
JALの”期間限定”割引クーポン
3月16日(日)23:59まで！
最大33,000円割引に！
(数量限定お早めに！)
- お土産を買う前にチェック！「沖縄でしか買えないお土産」特集！
- おすすめ【人気リゾートホテル特集】旅行前にこちらをチェック！
- 「ここは行っとけ！」おすすめ沖縄観光スポット45選！名所から穴場まで！
Shisa, the guardian deity of Okinawan tradition.
Introduced from China, it was used as a symbol of fire prevention and protection against evil in royal castles and villages during the Ryukyu Kingdom period, and in modern times, it is loved as a presence that brings peace and good fortune to family entrances and gateways.
Once you have purchased a shisa, knowing its historical background, correct placement according to feng shui, daily care, and welcoming rituals are key to maximizing its inherent power.
- 1 What is Shisa's guardian deity?
- 2 How to place a Shisa?
- 3 Click here for online sales of seersucker.
- 4 What happens if you put Shisa at the entrance?
- 5 What kind of god is Shisa?
- 6 How do I care for my Ceasar?
- 7 How to wake up Ceasar?
- 8 Where do you display Shisa?
- 9 How many Shisa are usually placed in pairs?
- 10 Click here for online sales of seersucker.
- 11 What effect do amulets and shisa have?
- 12 What are three things that should not be placed in the entryway?
- 13 What zodiac signs should not be placed at the entrance?
- 14 What should not be placed on the clogs?
- 15 summary
- 16 Climate and Clothing by Month
- 17 If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
- 18 special feature article
What is Shisa’s guardian deity?
Historical Background and Role
- A guardian deity to ward off evil
Shisa is a type of “lion statue” that was originally introduced from China. During the Ryukyu Kingdom period in Okinawa, they were placed as “miya-jishi” (palace lions) to guard the tombs of kings and castles (such as Shuri Castle). - Legend of saving a village from fire
Around the end of the 17th century, “village lions” appeared, which were set up at village entrances and on high ground. A particularly famous anecdote from Tomimori, Yaese Town, records that when a series of fires broke out, the shisa was set up facing the mountains and the fires stopped. - Shisa, the guardian deity of ordinary households “Ie Shishi ”
After the Meiji era, Shisa began to be placed on the roofs, gates and entrance of ordinary people’s homes, and came to be valued as a guardian of the home against misfortune.
Meaning in Feng Shui and folk beliefs
- In Feng Shui, it is a powerful amulet
Shisa is believed to keep evil spirits away, drive away bad vibes from the outside, and conversely, invite in good vibes. - Effects of warding off bad luck and opening the door to good fortune
There are many stories of protection against disasters such as fires and typhoons, as well as legends that it drove away evil spirits, making it a popular symbol of good fortune.
How to place a Shisa?
Traditional arrangement (roof, gate, entrance)
- On the roof
In red-tiled houses, a shisa has been placed on the roof to protect the house from fire sparks and evil spirits. - On gates and gateposts
Placing a shisa at the gateway is thought to create a boundary with the outside world and keep evil spirits away. - At the entrance
It is believed that placing it at the entrance, the “mouth” of the house, will block incoming bad air, and is practiced by many Okinawan families.
Left/right alignment (male/female)
- Male with open mouth, female with closed mouth
When two animals are placed in a pair, it is common to place the male with open mouth (to ward off evil spirits) on the right and the female with closed mouth (to keep good fortune) on the left. - For only one body
When only one body can be placed due to space or other reasons, it is common to choose a male (open mouth).
Feng Shui suitable placement
- When placed at the entrance, gate, window, or other “chi” entrance/exit
where bad chi can easily enter, it has a warding effect. - The face should face outward
The key is to place it in a way that it stares firmly in the direction that evil spirits are likely to come from, not inside the house.
Click here for online sales of seersucker.
What happens if you put Shisa at the entrance?
Feng Shui influences when placed in the foyer
- It keeps out bad air and allows only good air to pass through.
The entranceway is the gateway to luck. The Shisa guards the entrance to ward off bad luck, and can be expected to increase the safety and luck of the family. - It is a staple in Okinawa.
Shisa at the front door is so customary that “every house has one,” and it is said to ward off evil and bring good luck.
Notes on placement
- Make sure it faces outward
toward the front door. It does not make sense if it faces inward. - A pair on each side is preferable.
If space is available, balance the male and female. - Keep the surrounding area clean.
Dusty or messy conditions are not considered to be potent.
What kind of god is Shisa?
Background of Divinity and Beliefs
- They are not specific personal deities, but “guardian beasts.”
They do not have unique names like the 8 million gods, but are considered to be more like “spirits that protect homes and villages. - The lion image has taken root as a popular belief.
While it is a symbol of royal authority, it has also penetrated deeply into the lives of the common people and is a familiar guardian deity, so much so that in some areas it is commonplace to have one in the home.
Differences from other sacred beasts (komainu, etc.)
- Komainu are placed at shrines, while Shisa are placed at homes.
In mainland Japan, komainu are mainly placed at the gates of temples and shrines, while Shisa have the custom of guarding homes, roofs, gates, and everywhere else. - There is a wide variety of molding.
There are many materials such as plaster, ceramics, and stone, and the expression differs depending on the individuality of the craftsman.
How do I care for my Ceasar?
Long-lasting care
- Clean frequently and keep clean.
Dust, clean regularly if the material can be washed in water, and dry thoroughly in sunlight. - Paint peeling and chipping
In some cases, plaster and ceramics are easily damaged by the elements and must be repaired and repainted every few years.
What to do in case of damage
- If it can be repaired, glue or hire a specialist.
If it is a small chip, you can repair it yourself, but if it is a large break, consult a workshop or craftsman. - Offering and Disposal
When broken beyond repair, the most common method is to have it burned at a shrine or other location.
Feng Shui method of purification
- Purification using salt, water, and sacred wine
This method includes shaking salt, rinsing with water, pouring sacred wine into the mouth, and then “breathing” on the mouth. - Sunbathing
It is believed that simply taking it outside on a sunny day and exposing it to the sun’s energy has a purifying effect.
How to wake up Ceasar?
Ceremony when Shisa was welcomed
- Sprinkle coarse salt over the entire shisa (purification)
- Rinse thoroughly with water
- Pouring sake into the mouth to nourish the soul
- Breathe on it (breath blowing), and then awaken it with an oak hand.
- Can be practiced at home.
The ritual is not mandatory, but it is one way to ensure that they work properly as “guardian deities”.
How to pray during installation
- Call out in your mind, “Please protect my house from now on.”
No complicated words are necessary, but it is said that if you make a request with respect and gratitude, the power of the shisa will be more effective.
Where do you display Shisa?
Feng Shui good location
- Places where outside air enters such as doorways, windows, balconies, etc.
It is effective when placed in the form of guarding openings where evil air can easily enter. - Place it in the living room or garden
where the family gathers, and it is said to be surrounded by a brighter energy.
Places to avoid
Keep the seersucker’s “field of vision” open.- Do not place it in close proximity to other strong motifs (such as dragons, etc.)
It is said that if a dragon or other powerful Feng Shui entity is right next to it, their energies will clash.
Differences in indoor/outdoor decorating styles
- Outdoor
Durability and fixation are important. It is necessary to devise a way to prevent it from being blown away by rain and wind. - Indoors
It looks great interior-wise, but the key is to clean the dust frequently.
How many Shisa are usually placed in pairs?
- Male-female pairs are the basic
It is said that the male with his mouth open purges evil spirits, while the female with her mouth closed keeps good fortune at bay. - A single unit is also acceptable.
Some customs, such as the roof shisa and the village lion, were originally placed as a single unit, and even today, it is not uncommon to display only one unit, depending on space and preference. - It doesn’t matter if there are several of them in a row.
Legend has it that seers never fight with each other, and it is believed that they will work together to protect each other even if there is more than one of them.
Click here for online sales of seersucker.
What effect do amulets and shisa have?
Good luck, protection from bad luck
- Preventing disasters and bringing good luck
There are many histories and legends about the containment of fires, typhoons, and evil spirits, and it has been widely believed as a countermeasure. - Specific legends and stories
There are anecdotes in many places that Shisa is said to have prevented damage, such as “the stone-carved big lion (to ward off fire) in Tomimori” and “the legend of dragon extermination at Mayu Bridge.
What are three things that should not be placed in the entryway?
- Dried flowers (dead flowers)
“Lifeless flowers” are considered to invite yin qi and may lower your luck. - Stuffed animals and dolls
are said to suck out good vibes and cause them to scatter the luck of the house. - Family photo
There is a theory that if the family photo is displayed in the foyer, the family’s luck in the photo will flow outward, so it is better to display it in another location, such as the living room.
What zodiac signs should not be placed at the entrance?
- Dog figurines
In feng shui, it is said that dog figurines are like “watchdogs” that drive away good luck. It is also incompatible with the dragon (辰) and should not be placed at the entrance. - Pet dogs are not a problem
It is only a case of ornamentation, so having a live dog is not a problem at all.
What should not be placed on the clogs?
- Dirty or smelly items (e.g. trash cans)
tend to drift bad vibes and reduce the overall luck of the entranceway. - Clutter sources (e.g., piles of mail, etc.)
The accumulation of life and clutter can cause the entrance of luck to be clogged. - Dolls, dried flowers, etc.
This should also be avoided for the same reason as the entranceway NG items.
Caution when placing a seersucker on top of a shoe rack.
- Keep it clean.
Keep it dust free and face out the front door. - If possible, place them in pairs.
If there is enough space, placing the male and female side by side will give them more stability. - Do not place any NG items around
. Make sure that they do not get together with entrance mats, cleaning tools, dolls, etc., and create an environment where Shi-sa can firmly “stare” at you.
summary
Shisa is a unique Okinawan lion statue that has long been believed to ward off evil and misfortune. Over time, the role and location of the lion has expanded from the “palace lion” guarding the royal castle to the “village lion” watching over the entire village, and then to the “family lion” in the home of the average family.
Since it is considered a lucky charm that dispels evil spirits and brings good fortune in terms of feng shui, it is standard practice to place a shisa at the entrance, gate, or other chi (energy) entrance or exit. The most common practice is to place a male (open-mouthed Shisa) and a female (closed-mouthed Shisa) in pairs, but you can place just one Shisa, depending on your space and preference. The important thing is to clean them frequently, place them facing outward, and treat them with respect.
Some items (dried flowers, dolls, family photos, etc.) should also be avoided at the entrance, so it is best to keep the area tidy to harness the power of the Shi-sa as much as possible. It is said that when you welcome a new Shi-sa, you should purify it with salt, water, and sacred wine, and “awaken” it by blowing on it with a breath of fresh air to further enhance its power.
The power of the Shisa depends on where and in what form it is placed and how regularly it is cared for, so please treat it with care and use it as a “guardian deity” for your home and space. Please treat your Shi-sa with care and use it as a “guardian deity” for your home and space. Let us hope for your daily peace of mind and good fortune together with Shi-sa, while feeling the warmth of Okinawan culture and the depth of traditional beliefs.
Climate and Clothing by Month
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
special feature article
Roadside Stations and Direct Selling Stations Special Feature!
Michi no Eki (Roadside Stations) and direct sales shops in Okinawa are very popular tourist attractions. Each has its own unique characteristics, making them 200% worth visiting! Please visit them!
Special feature on beaches on the main island of Okinawa!
The main island of Okinawa has many wonderful beaches that can only be found in the tropics. We will introduce each of them in an easy-to-understand manner, from the very secluded to the well-serviced executive beaches.
Typhoon Okinawa
We have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when a typhoon approaches so that you can respond without panic before or during your trip. We hope you will find it useful.
