What is a Torii(鳥居)? : Shrines
- Published 2010.7.13
At the entrance to a shrine stands a torii, a symbol of the pure land on which is stands. In other words, the torii serves as a gateway for the shrine. From ancient times, the torii has been thought of as a symbol of what Japanese considers holy. Torii can be found in various places, in deep forests, on top and at the foot of mountains, on coastlines and riversides, on islands and in reefs, in any place where it is possible to feel the power of the gods.
The structure of torii is basically two poles which are connected at the top with a crossbar, forming a gate. Since then it has gone through various changes to become what it is today. The original materials used to make torii consisted of mainly wood, but since the middle ages stone and bronze have also been used.
