The tassels of the sacred rope at Oyama Shrine, covered in snow. A snow-covered forest spreads out in the background.

A photograph looking up at the tassels of the sacred rope at Oyama Shrine. The straw spreading out radially resembles a sunflower.

On a snowy winter morning, food stalls line the approach to Oyama Shrine. Orange lanterns illuminate the dimly lit snowy landscape.

Winter Morning Approach

Table of Contents

Snow-covered tassels of the sacred rope
Sunflowers for God
Snow-shrouded stalls along the approach

Snow-covered tassels of the sacred rope

The tassels hanging from Oyama Shrine’s great sacred rope, enveloped in snow and ice, symbolize the stillness of winter. This sacred ornament, having received people’s prayers, radiates a presence as an enduring testament to faith, harmonizing with the harsh winter landscape.

Sunflowers for God

A shot looking straight up at the tassels hanging from the sacred rope at Oyama Shrine. Countless straw tips are arranged in a circular pattern, creating a stunning composition reminiscent of natural sculptural beauty. Combined with the soft winter light and the reflection of snow, the sacred decoration appears almost like a sunflower, a symbol of life.

Snow-shrouded stalls along the approach

On a winter morning, food stalls line the snow-covered approach, their orange lights adding warmth to the all-white world. Amidst the dimness of the cloudy sky and snow, people make their way, umbrellas in hand, enjoying the festival atmosphere. It is a scene contrasting the harshness of the snow country with the warmth of human activity.

雄山神社

http://www.oyamajinja.org/kiganden.htm