July 27, 2005

An Unusual Japanese Monastery "The Jingu is rebuilt every 20 years. This ceremony is called the Shikinensenngu. All the shrines in the Jingu, including the Goshoden, are rebuilt. In other words, the gods can live comfortably in newly built shrines (animation) at a cycle of 20 years." Sounds ordinary until you find out they've been doing this for 2000 years. And that up to 173,000 people participate.

Shikinensenngu, the reconstruction ceremony is itself broken into 12 smaller festivals, each celebrating a distinct building phase. Interestingly enough, it is not known why the 20 year period was chosen. Talk about long-term planning.

posted by StoryBored 18 years ago
  • Ah yes, I've visited Ise Jingu. The next rebuilding is in 2013, by the way. It is said that the average Japanese house has a lifespan of 26 years, so that 20 year figure might be more pragmatic than metaphysical.
  • I'd heard of this before but not seen it. Is this rebuilding practiced elsewhere as well?
  • How beautiful, as architecture and as an example of ongoing impermanence. One would have to feel a touch sorry for the Gods though - isn't moving house supposed to be one of the most stressful times?
  • isn't moving house supposed to be one of the most stressful times? Only if you have to move everyhing yourself. When it's all arranged for you, where's the stress? ;)
  • Presumably they also get to keep their old phone numbers...
  • Is this rebuilding practiced elsewhere as well? I believe so. Here's an interesting article about Japanese wooden architecture.
  • Thanks, languagehat.