Torī

What is a "Torī"?

A Torī ("鳥居") is a kind of gate, that has a function of separating the precincts of the shrine from the outside world and is a barrier that prevents impurity from entering the shrine.

The origin of Torīs are unclear. In one theory, it originates from the practice of placing bird perches an altar, associated with the mythology of "Iwato-gakure" written in the Kojiki, where tokoyo-no-naganakidori(roosters) were made to crow to draw Amaterasu-ōmikami out from the Ama-no-iwaya. In some other theories suggest that a Torī has foreign origins. In any case, the forms of Torī became well-established by the 8th century.

Also, there are various theories about the origin of the word "Torī", such as, it derives from the term "通り入る(tōri-iru)", meaning pass through and enter, or takes the word literally as a bird perch.

Torīs are generally seen as a symbolic icon of a Shinto shrine, and could be seen at most Shinto shrines. Though, some shrines do not have torīs. Also, torīs are built at Imperial Mausoleums, and, though it is very rare, some torīs can also be seen in Buddhist temples.

Most torīs are built on the sandō, the approach path between the shrine's entrance and the main shrine building. However, by the reasons of the relocation or the reduction of the shrine precinct, many torīs are be located outside the shrine. Since in old times, major shrines had vast territorial areas, some torīs may be located far away from the shrine. Torīs are sometimes built in front of natural objects those are objects of worship, such as boulders and mountains.

Large shrines may have multiple torīs on the sandō. Commonly, each torī is called like "Ichi-no-torī ("一の鳥居", meaning "first torī")", "Ni-no-torī ("二の鳥居", meaning "second torī")", "San-no-torī ("三の鳥居", meaning "third torī")" and so on, counting from the torī that is the farthest from the main shrine building. Also, torīs may have a specific name, named by the shrine.

Torīs are often built as an votive offering by an individual or some kind of group, and who offered it may be written on the pillars of the torī.

How to go through a Torī

Since a torī is the entrance of the precincts of the shrine, it is said that one should stop and make a bow before going through a torī. Also, when leaving the precinct, one should look back and make a bow after going through a torī. The bow is what is called an "ichiyū ("一揖")", that is a shallow bow. In addition, it is said that one should keep left or right, not the center, while going through a torī, and make the first step with the foot which is closer to the edge of the sandō.

Examples of Torī

Parts of Torī

The top part of a torī is a horizontal beam passed on top of 2 pillars, that consists of components called a kasagi ("笠木") and a shimagi ("島木"). In a Myōjin Torī, the kasagi is curved upwards, and this curve is called a sorimashi ("反増"). In a Shinmei Torī, the top part only consists of a kasagi, without a shimagi. Some torīs have a protective material called daiwa ("台輪") between the pillars and the shimagi.

The horizontal beam passed between the 2 pillars, under the kasagi and shimagi is called a nuki ("貫"). The nuki may go through the pillars, and the part of the nuki that sticks outside of the pillars are called kibana ("木鼻"). The nuki is sometimes held in place by wedges.

The shimagi and the nuki may be connected by a vertical strut called a gakuzuka ("額束"). There may be a tablet carrying the shrine name called a shingaku ("神額") in front of the gakuzuka.

Since, burying the pillars directly in the earth could damage the torī, torīs are often placed on a base stones called dai'ishi ("台石"). Especially, round shaped base stones are called kamebara ("亀腹", meaning "turtle belly") or manjū ("饅頭", the same as a flour-based pastry) because of it appearance.

The bottom part of the pillars may be wraped with a rotective material called waraza ("藁座") or nemaki ("根巻").

Styles of Torī

Torīs are classified broadly into two groups, "Shinmei Torīs ("神明鳥居")" and "Myōjin Torīs ("明神鳥居")".

A Shinmei Torī is a rather simple style, consisted of straight components. On the other hand, A Myōjin Torī is a more decorative style, using curved components.

Torīs may further be categorized into smaller groups by minor differences. Some Torīs have characteristic of multiple styles.

In most cases, the styles of a Torī do not have special meanings. Although, in some shrines share the same style with the Torī of the shrine where the spirit of the enshrined deity was divided from.

Materials of Torī

The most common materials of torīs are wood and stone. Torīs made of wood are often called ki-torī and torīs made of stone are often called ishi-torī.

Many torīs are unpainted, but in the case a torī is painted, a torī is mostly painted vermilion. It is said that why torīs are painted vermilion is since, as it is the color of the sun and fire, it is a symbolic color that represents the energy of life. It is also said that vermilion is a color that drives off evil spirits. Moreover, traditional vermilion-lacquer is made of metallic elements and has an effect of preventing corrosion and pest damage. So not only torīs but other shrine buildings may also be painted vermilion, and the color had also been used in Buddhist temples and palaces from long ago.

Recently, at small shrines, Torīs may be rebuilt by newer materials, such as vinyl chloride, by reasons of maintenance costs and durability.