“Sacred Tree” at Kamakura shrine restarts new life

Sept. 30, 2010

“Sacred Tree” at Kamakura shrine restarts new life


Autumnal rain fronts have come to envelop the Japanese Archipelago, pouring gentle rains on plants and trees hit by crazy heat waves this summer. Among them is a regenerated ginkgo tree at Kamakura’s Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
The “Ooicho” tree had been towering up into the sky beside a stairway to the main building of the Shinto shrine, a famous tourist spot in Kamakura as the home to Japan’s first samurai-led regime, until March when it fell down due to a strong predawn gust of wind The incident saddened local people because they had long respected the ginkgo as a “sacred tree.” (A related story is available on the post released on March 12.)
The disappearance of the tree, which used to be about 8 meters high, has greatly changed the landscape and atmosphere around the shrine building. Fortunately, the root was partially left in the ground, while some pieces of the root remained with the fallen part of the tree. The shrine and other related quarters started efforts to regenerate the ginkgo by using various wood-related techniques.
“I was concerned that Ooichi had been weakened by the heat waves this summer, but I’m happy to see it growing strongly.” “Yes, it's been so vigorous,” a shrine maiden clad in traditional red and white costume said in reply to my fear.
A sacred “shimenawa” straw rope is hung around the tree with green leaves thickly growing from its root. The lower part of the fallen tree has been replanted beside the original root part. Many worshippers were seen stopping in the middle of the stairway to take a close look at the tree and take pictures. Some visitors were reading messages written on a big “ema” votive tablet by members of a local children’s group wishing for its smooth growth with a new life.
Plants and trees in other parts on the compound of the shrine also appear to be refreshed breathing in the clear autumn air following rainfalls since mid-September. Partially green leaves remain with “sakura” cherry trees standing on both sides of the “Dankazura” approach extending straight from the main gate of the shrine, giving comfortable shades to passers-by.
Kamakura is entering one of the most beautiful seasons with shrines, temples and other historically and culturally important spots ready to welcome tourists in fresh air.