日本語
English
한국어
中文(简体)
中文(繁體)What is the "pool" in shrines?
DATE:2017/02/17
Have you ever seen a "pool" on side of the red arches or the gate when you visit a shrine?
When you look at the pool, you can see water pouring from a dragon and hisyaku (ladles) on it.
You might already see people cleaning their hands by the pool.
This article is about the pool in shrines.
First of all, the usual name of the pool is "chozusha" however it also has several other names - "chozuya", "temizuya" or "temizusha."
The chozusha is not just a pool but a water ablution pavilion where visitors go to purify themselves.
Chozusha is normally located at the side of a shrine and temple or the entrance .
To visit a shrine means to ask the god to come down and listen to your desire, so you need to purify your hands and mouth before you stand in front of the god.
There are manners you should follow when using chozusha to clean your hands.
1. Bow to the chozusha, then take some water holding the ladle with your right hand and clean your left hand first.
2. Hold the ladle with the other hand and clean your right hand.
3. Hold the ladle with your right hand again and use the water on the palm of your left hand to put in your mouth (from your hand - don't put the ladle to your mouth). Rinse your mouth without making any sound and spit the water out hiding your lips with your left hand. Clean your left hand again in the same way as before.
4. Hold the ladle in one hand and clean its handle by raising it and allowing water to drip from the ladle's bowl.
There are some people who just clean their hands because the steps are a bit complicated and take some time, but it is better to rinse your mouth as well.
When you visit a shrine, don't just pass the chozusha - purify yourself whilst remembering how to do it politely.
