Everywhere we went in Kansai we found, by the sides of roads or in temple gardens, small groups of stone statues, sometimes in mixed sizes, often dressed in bibs/aprons of red or white.
Kansai, 2009
I learned that these are common depictions of one of the most loved Mahayana Buddhist divinities, a bodhisattva named Ksitigarbha, venerated in Japan as guardian of children and travelers.
Parents leave offerings of caps or bibs, flowers, and stones, with these statues called Jizō (or more respectfully, O-Jizō-san), often as pleas to reduce the suffering of their children alive or dead.
The Jizō are believed to be responsive to sincere prayers of faith, so maybe that explains these coins tossed for good fortune.
J is the letter at ABC Wednesday. Go check out the other creative offers this week... or better yet, join the fun!
Wonderful shots. Never heard of this before.
ReplyDeleteFascinating.
ReplyDeleteI learn so much about our world from you and your travels.
This is a custom that's brand new to me. Wonderful photos explaining it to me.
very informative; mostly new to me.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
Fascinating and totally new to me!
ReplyDeleteGuardians of children and travelers. Well, that certainly resonates with me, Francisca. I love the photos. The first one is spectacular, and the homey sweetness of the others makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
What an interesting custom!
ReplyDeleteI've long considered my meditations the best part of my day, so anything of a Buddhist nature interests me. ~Mary
ReplyDeleteFascinating post, Francisca! Japan is a dream (one of dreams, to be honest)!
ReplyDeleteWow! I learn something new every day...what an interesting concept this is. Have a joyous week, Francisca.
ReplyDeleteLeslie
abcw team
Good info. I remember seeing them and wondering about the bibs.
ReplyDeletegreat shots and to learn something new
ReplyDeletelove that first photo!!! it reminds me of a vintage post card, only better. happy day to you Francisca.
ReplyDeleteSeeing those stones dressed in aprons must have been very confusing! Such an interesting tradition.
ReplyDeleteInteresting and informative post Francisca. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteABC Wed
Just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteMy take on J, please come and see.
Love your note on word verification, I too is against it.
So interesting. A reminder of how much I don't know or even imagine to know. Always eager to learn something new.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, I didn't know all that !
ReplyDeleteGattina
ABC Team
This probably sounds condescending, but they do look quaint.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting tradition....I'm glad you asked about and shared. That first shot has such a wonderful POV.
ReplyDeleteBears striking resemblance to Hindu customs in Hindu temples!! Very interesting read from afar!!
ReplyDeleteMy J Post - Just Because...
Beautiful photos of the Ojizo-san! I especially love the first one with the fall leaves surrounding it. I think it's nice that the community takes care of these Jizo by changing the water and washing the bibs from time to time :-)
ReplyDeleteChildren and TRAVELERS huh? We should leave an offering. Everything is so beautiful and well cared for-- you can tell how much this Divinity is honored.
ReplyDeleteFascinating information, and I learn something new this morning.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are always wonderful to see.
Thank you, this post was very interesting!
ReplyDeleteInteresting!!!
ReplyDeleteI have never ever seen this custom. Thank you for showing us!
ReplyDelete