TORII ARCH, SACRED GATES
If there is something we pride ourselves on at our 5-star hotel Asia Gardens, is our large number of rooms with their corresponding doors which lead you to a space of the Asian peace and quiet surrounding our resort.
In Asia, gates and arches have an important meaning as they reflect moving on to a different state. In Asian cultures, doors normally lead to a sacred place and that is why they are generally placed at the entrance of sanctuaries and temples.
Torii Arch has a spiritual meaning as we have already mentioned. However, the word “torii” means “bird abode” as they are structures often found outdoors opposite religious buildings where birds normally sit.
An ancient legend says that Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, was extremely annoyed with one of her siblings and she hid in a cave causing and eclipse. When people saw this they got frightened as they could no longer see the sun, and that is why they decided to build a pole for all birds and roosters in the village to come and sit there. The cocks started to cluck and the birds started to cheep making much noise. The goddess could not resist, curiosity took over her and she had to come out to see what was going on. Once she was out, a group of men closed the cave and the sun came out again.
This is how Torii became a symbol of prosperity and good luck all over Japan. Currently, they are considered talismans which keep evil spirits away and bring about good luck.
Torii is usually a traditional Japanese arch which marks the borderline between the profane and the sacred. It consists of two pillars holding two parallel rungs, normally a shade of red.
They can also have engraved wooden or stone boards, although this is currently changing and other more resistant materials are being used instead, like stainless steel, reinforced concrete and copper in order to resist harsh weather conditions.
The Mijayima Torii is one of the most famous images in Japan, as it is located above water. The sunset from this spot is magical and evoking, for this reason many people who visit it say they feel as if they had crossed over to a different world, a world they did not think existed outside their dreams.
These gates have been immortalized in cinema too. There is a very famous scene in “Memories of a Geisha” when the leading actress runs through a path of toriies. Do you remember?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O37B5VvaLI
If you also want to enter the world of your dreams, book one of our luxury rooms at our Asia Gardens Hotel. You shall enjoy a magical experience which can only be offered to you at a luxury resort such as ours.
Our doors are always open for you. We look forward to seeing you!
