“Taima Kazari(大麻飾り)” is a traditional Japanese decoration.
What is the meaning of “Taima Kazari(Cannabis ornaments)”, which is carefully made one by one by craftsmen using a method that has been handed down from generation to generation? Let’s take a closer look.
Contents
What is Cannabis ornaments?
Cannabis ornaments are decorations made from cannabis plants that are displayed at the entrance, on the altar, or in the alcove.
In Japan, marijuana has long been associated with purification, and is also called “Seima(精麻)”.
The fibers of hemp are so strong and sturdy that they are used to weave baskets to carry heavy loads and waraji to protect the feet.
In Japan, water is often used to purify the body. You can guess this from the water fountains at the entrances to shrines.
In some cases, seawater is used to purify even more strongly. In some areas, the custom of bathing in seawater on the cold morning of New Year’s Day is meant to purify the body from various misfortunes and to start the new year with a clean slate.
It is believed that cannabis can purge the impurities that cannot be purged by seawater, so it is a sacred plant that has been used in shrine rituals.
Cannabis decorations made by craftsmen
Only certified craftsmen are allowed to make and sell Cannabis ornaments.
Also, certified artisan instructors offer workshops for the general public, where you can make your own unique Cannabis ornaments.
In Japan, there is a word called “Kotodama(言霊)” which means “The notion that the words you speak have a soul of their own” in Japanese, and in the world of Cannabis decorations, the word “Katadama(形霊)” which means “spiritual power residing in a form” is often used.
In the world of Cannabis ornaments, the word “Katadama” is often highlighted, because it is believed that every step in the process of making Cannabis ornaments, such as tying, folding, and wrapping, has its own meaning, and that if one puts one’s heart and soul into the process, the shape of the ornaments will have power.
For this reason, it is believed that you can put more intimate feelings into the Cannabis ornaments you make yourself, and in recent years, handmade workshops have become popular both in Japan and overseas.
It is recommended to make your own Cannabis ornaments under the guidance of certified craftsmen.
Types of Cannabis Decorations
There are various types of Cannabis ornaments, and the genre varies depending on the shrine that sells them.
For example, like a good luck charm
- Dream
- Marriage
- Work
- Health
For example, an amulet with wishes such as
Those with the names of plants related to the history of the shrine, etc.
- Chrysanthemum
- Pine tree
- Cherry blossoms
- Bamboo
etc.
There were also different shapes, such as vertical and horizontal.
There are also different types of decorations depending on where they are displayed. By putting the Cannabis ornaments that suits you close at hand, you may be able to feel the effect of purification more.
Summary
This time we looked into Cannabis ornaments, how was it?
Recently, with the spread of CBD products, cannabis plants have been in the spotlight, and Cannabis ornaments that are deeply related to Japan’s unique history are starting to attract attention from foreign tourists. You should definitely check it out.
