Tōrō – Lanterns In The Temples And Shrines Of Japan

In Japan, Tōrō 灯籠 is a traditional lantern made of stone, wood, or metal. Like many other elements of traditional Japanese architecture, it originated in China, where it can still be found in Buddhist temples and Chinese gardens. They are not as common in Korea as they are in China or Japan and were originally used only in Buddhist temples, where they were lined up and served to illuminate the paths considered an offering to Buddha. Its use in Shinto shrines and also in private homes began during the Heian period (794-1185) The oldest surviving bronze and stone lanterns can be found in Nara Prefecture .

During the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568–1600) stone lanterns were popularized by tea masters, who used them as decorations for their gardens. Soon they began to develop new types according to need, for example in modern gardens they have a purely ornamental function and are placed along paths, near water, or next to a building.

Tōrō灯籠 can be classified into two main types, the tsuri-dōrō (lanterns that usually hang from the eaves of a roof) and the dai-dōrō (platform lamp used in gardens and along the approach ( sandō ) of a shrine or The two most common types of dai-dōrō are the bronze lantern and the stone lantern placed on a pedestal, the latter sometimes called ishi-dōrō石灯籠

In its full original form, the dai-dōrō represents the five elements of Buddhist cosmology . The bottommost piece, touching the ground, represents “chi” (earth) the next section represents “sui” (water). The “fire” section (ka) is represented by the light or flame of the lantern itself, while fū (air) and kū (emptiness or spirit) are represented by the last two sections, at the top and pointing skyward. . The segments express the idea that after death our physical bodies will return to their original elemental form.

Did you know the meaning and use of these lanterns in the temples and shrines of Japan? Tell us in the comments!