✨The Seven Mysteries of Susa✨🕵️♂️
Sada, the region of Izumo where Susa Shrine is located, also has its own legends, seven mysteries that have been transmitted from generation to generation.📜
1st Mystery: The Salty Well (shio no i)🌊
The well on the shrine’s grounds is connected to the Sea of Japan, and at high tide, it is said that clusters of salt scatter like flower petals from the earth’s surface all around the well. It is also said that the god Susanoo no Mikoto used this sea water to purify the grounds of the shrine.
2nd Mystery: The Horse God (shinme)🐎
In the past, all the horses given as offerings to the shrine would turn white, regardless of their original coat color. It is said that these changes were signs for good or bad luck, and also premonitions concerning great matters for the country. (Horses are not kept at the shrine anymore)
3rd Mystery: The Twin Pines (aioi no matsu)🌲🌲
There used to be a male and a female pine forming one big tree behind the main shrine. Unfortunately, the twin pine died, but the shrine continues to raise pines in its place.
4th Mystery: The Cherry Tree with No Shadow (kagenashizakura)🌳
A long time ago, the sun was not shining on the crops of Oki Islands, resulting in a succession of bad harvests. A fortune-teller was called to divine a solution, and said: “The cherry tree of Susa Shrine in Izumo is growing thick, and its shadow is extending all the way to Oki.” Thus, the tree was cut down. Since then, the cherry tree that regrew from this stump does not grow thick, nor does it wither.
5th Mystery: The Yew Plum Pine Fallen Leaves (ochiba no maki)🍂
When Susanoo’s wife, Inatahime, gave birth to their child, she wrapped all the birthing tools with yew plum pine leaves, bound them together with pine needles, and threw the bundle into the river’s stream. It is said that pines and yew plum pines grew in the spot where it drifted. It is also said that the holes on the yew plum pines leaves are stitches made by the pine needles with which they were tied. Thus goes the story of the yew plum pine fallen leaves.
6th Mystery: The Smooth Stars (hoshinamera)🌟
Next to the summit of a mountain near Susa Shrine, a smooth rock surface can be seen. Where it seems to form a valley, white specks cover its surface. It is said that if the specks appear in large numbers, it will be a fruitful year, but if there are only a few, there will be a poor harvest.
7th Mystery: The Rain Jar (amatsubo)⛈
On the grounds of Susa Shrine is the auxiliary shrine Itsukushima Jinja. Further down from this shrine, in the footpaths of a rice field down the road, is a rock with a hole. It is said that if someone disturbs the peace of this rock, it will trigger the gods’ wrath, and bring a huge rainstorm upon the land. It may be hard to spot in the wildly growing grass, but at least you won’t disturb it by accident!😉
Photos: Today's photos show the Smooth Stars, the Horse God, and the Yew Plum Pine Fallen Leaves mystery.
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Daisen
