LOCALITIES OF SYMBOLIC EXPRESSION AND MEANING: TEMPLES AND SHRINES OF KYOTO, JAPAN by Emily Ann Teresa Laninga B.A., The University of British Columbia, 2009 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS in THE COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES (Interdisciplinary Studies) THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Okanagan) June 2013 © Emily Ann Teresa Laninga, 2013 Abstract Cultural practices are maintained by passing knowledge down throughout the generations, yet they also are simultaneously in a process of transition. Influenced by societal requirements, specific aspects of culture are taught and learned. Over time, some qualities are altered, adapted, dismissed, or are auxiliary to the creation of new practices. A prime example of this process is Japanese culture and its symbolic meanings in relation to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples; milieus which are sacred spaces that contain polysemic modes of symbolic expression. In this thesis, I examine a variety of customs where localities of temples and shrines act as multifaceted outlets of symbolic expression and meaning for the people who visit them. In particular, I am interested in exploring how people use objects and view actions that occur within the context of shrines and temples. Objects are physical, material artifacts that are representative of something, some examples of objects being architecture, artwork, statues and monuments, or a talisman. Actions take place as a physical means of representation, acted out in order to initiate a desired effect; such actions include ritual behaviors, ceremony, dance and offerings. By analyzing objects and actions, this thesis shows how people’s interactions within shrines and temples not only mark these locations as meaningful places, but reveal how people’s understandings of the meanings of symbolic forms within these sites are changing in contemporary times. This thesis is shaped from data collected using participant observation, open-ended interviews, questionnaires, and photo journaling during a four month period of fieldwork (Mid-September 2011 until early January 2012) in the city of Kyoto, Japan. My research suggests that, as Japanese society continues to change, contemporary Japanese youth are losing some traditional knowledge of symbolic representations found at shrine and temple sites, signifying a general gap in traditional knowledge between generations. This indicates that ii symbolic forms are either changing, or possibly that the youth of today are not learning about current or past symbolic meanings in the first place. Moreover, the reasons for visiting temple and shrines are increasingly due to specifically non-religious purposes such as tourism or entertainment. iii Preface This research required an ethics approval, which was provided by the UBC Okanagan Behavioural Research and Ethics Board, certificate number: H11-01589. iv Table of Contents Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... ii Preface ........................................................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents ...........................................................................................................................v List of Tables .............................................................................................................................. viii List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... ix Abbreviations and Conventions ................................................................................................ xii Glossary ...................................................................................................................................... xiii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................... xvii Dedication ................................................................................................................................. xviii Chapter 1: Introduction ...............................................................................................................1 1.1 Background and Setting of Study ................................................................................... 1 1.2 Quick Introduction to Shinto and Buddhist Presence in Japan ....................................... 3 1.3 Structure of the Thesis .................................................................................................... 6 Chapter 2: Methodology...............................................................................................................9 2.1 Research Design.............................................................................................................. 9 2.2 Study Area .................................................................................................................... 12 2.3 Data Collection and Analysis........................................................................................ 12 2.4 Limitations .................................................................................................................... 15 Chapter 3: Matters of Meaning .................................................................................................17 3.1 Symbolism .................................................................................................................... 18 3.2 Interpretation ................................................................................................................. 22 3.3 Context .......................................................................................................................... 26 v 3.4 Experience..................................................................................................................... 29 Chapter 4: Matters of Place .......................................................................................................33 4.1 Spaces and Places ......................................................................................................... 33 4.2 Landscapes: Meaning in and from Place ...................................................................... 36 4.3 Embodiment of Place .................................................................................................... 39 Chapter 5: Sacred Spaces, Symbolic Places .............................................................................44 5.1 Architecture................................................................................................................... 44 5.2 At a Shinto Shrine ......................................................................................................... 47 5.3 At a Buddhist Temple ................................................................................................... 53 5.4 Purification and Calming the Mind............................................................................... 56 5.5 Symbolic Connection to Physical Location .................................................................. 60 5.6 Effect on Behaviour ...................................................................................................... 65 5.7 Extensions of Sacred Space and Place .......................................................................... 66 Chapter 6: Varieties of Symbolic Expression ...........................................................................70 6.1 Actions .......................................................................................................................... 71 6.1.1 Honouring the Dragon .............................................................................................. 72 6.1.2 Taro Stalks and Vegetables ....................................................................................... 75 6.1.3 Omikoshi Matsuri ..................................................................................................... 79 6.1.4 Seven-Five-Three ...................................................................................................... 83 6.1.5 The New Year ........................................................................................................... 84 6.2 Objects .......................................................................................................................... 85 6.2.1 Animals ..................................................................................................................... 86 6.2.2 Amulets and Talisman .............................................................................................. 89 vi 6.2.3 Fortune Telling.......................................................................................................... 98 6.2.4 Incense .................................................................................................................... 103 6.2.5 Daruma .................................................................................................................... 105 6.2.6 Hamaya ................................................................................................................... 107 6.2.7 Healing and Protective Figures ............................................................................... 108 6.2.8 Offerings ................................................................................................................