What is Okinawa Shisa? Introducing the history, how to place it, and recommended specialty stores!
Okinawa
When it comes to standard travel souvenirs,
Shisa
Isn't it?
Even if you know Shisa, there are probably many people who say, "I don't know the details."
This time
Symbol of Okinawa Shisa
featured.
In the article
Basic information such as the history and origin of Shisa and where to place it
I'd like to introduce_______
" What kind of god is Caesar? "" do you have a gender? Let's learn together the basic information of Shisa that you can't hear anymore!
table of contents
- 1 What kind of god is Shisa in Okinawa?
- 2 Origin of Shisa
- 3 History of Okinawa Shisa
- 4 What is the meaning of Shisa's shape and posture?
- 5 Type of shisa
- 6 Shisa is a pair or single?
- 7 Is there a gender (male/female) of Shisa?
- 8 Do you put Shisa at the entrance in Okinawa? Placement rules and regulations
- 9 Okinawa Shisa-lion making experience popularity ranking
- 10 Let's make Shisa in Okinawa!
- 11 Editorial department recommended feature articles
What kind of god is Shisa in Okinawa?
There are various theories, but Okinawa Shisa is the world's oldest civilization that flourished in West Asia and Egypt. Derived from the lion statues of the ancient Orient civilization (3200 BC - late 4th century BC) It is said. Lion statues were worshiped as symbols of power and holiness, and were displayed in palaces and other places.
The Egyptian symbol Sphinx is also one of the images derived from the lion.
Origin of Shisa
The name Shisa is " "Shishi", which is called in mainland Japan, has been dulled. There is a theory that
However, unlike mainland Japan, where lions were introduced via the Korean peninsula, lions were introduced directly to Okinawa from China. will be
In the days when trade was flourishing along the Silk Road, the lion was called "SHE" in Central Asia.
In China, the foreign word ``shi (SHE)'' was changed to ``lion'' by adding the character ``lion'', and the pronunciation changed from ``shishi'' to ``shisa'', which is familiar to Okinawa.
It is said.
Furthermore, even now Okinawa main island the northern part of Ishigaki Island In some parts of the Yaeyama Islands, such as, there is also an area where Shisa is called "Shishi".
History of Okinawa Shisa
I touched on it briefly in "Origin of Shisa", but the lion statue, which is the model of Shisa, was introduced to Okinawa (Ryukyu Kingdom) via the ancient Orient, the Silk Road, and China. 13th to 14th century .
According to existing literature, Japan's oldest Shisa is located in Tomori, Yaese-cho, Shimajiri-gun, southwest of Okinawa. Tomori no Ishibori Ufujishi stone sculpture "is.
At that time, there were many suspicious fires in Tomimori, so it was built in 1689 as a fire protection (fire return).
Boasting a height of 141.2 cm and a total length of 175.8 cm, it stands facing Mt. Yaese, a volcano.
"Tomimori's Stone Carved Giant Lion" has become popular with people as a village lion that watches over the village, and has come to be widely worshiped.
But actually
Shisa came to be displayed in general houses after the Meiji period
That's what I mean.
Red roof tiles were born in the 18th century, and because red was considered a noble color, its use was prohibited outside of Shurijo Castle's main hall, royal buildings, and shrines.
but, The ban was abolished in 1889 (Meiji 22) As a result, it spread to ordinary houses. in the process guardian of the house As Shisa was made, it came to be decorated even in general houses.
Okinawa
Before it became a tourist destination,
Things with a brave appearance or expression that threatens to ward off evil
There were many Shisa.
Currently,
Something with a smiling face, charming figure, shape, and colorful things
has increased, and it has become a standard souvenir for Okinawa trips.
![Shisa-lion making experience/painting experience [Maimai Shisa] Cute Shisa coloring & Shisa-lion making experience specialty store](https://img.activityjapan.com/10/13921/10000001392101_MDcy4yAN_4.jpg)
in Okinawa Shisa-lion making experience or Painting experience class There are many, and it is one of the popular activities in Activity Japan.
![[Maimai Shisa] Cute Shisa coloring & Shisa making experience specialty store](https://img.activityjapan.com/10/13936/10000001393601_lUWQ75q0_2.JPG)
- 5.0
- (6 reviews and testimonials)
[Let's take home Okinawa's No. 1 impressive memories and souvenirs] [Happy last minute reservations are also OK] A highly rated popular store [1 minute by car from Churaumi Aquarium] All seats along the main street overlooking the sea are bright and full of smiles In addition, the sound of the sanshin is in a comfortable, air-conditioned space.
- 4.6
- (25 reviews/testimonials)
About 10 minutes by car from Naha Airport! A 10-second walk from Kokusai-dori in Naha, Okinawa, “Handmade Experience Studio Tianda” offers a variety of handmade experience menus that families, couples, and friends can easily participate in. . In this plan, you will knead clay and make an original Shisa. ≪For reservations on the day, please contact us by phone.
![[Maimai Shisa] Cute Shisa coloring & Shisa making experience specialty store](https://img.activityjapan.com/10/13921/10000001392101_MDcy4yAN_2.jpg)
- 4.9
- (300 reviews and experiences)
[Let's take home the memories and souvenirs of Okinawa's No. 1 impression] ★I'm so happy! Last-minute reservations are OK ★Cancellation on the day is free, so I'm happy! Highly rated and popular restaurant [1 minute by car from Churaumi Aquarium] All seats along the main street overlooking the sea are full of smiles, and the sound of the sanshin is played in a comfortable, air-conditioned space. There are tatami rooms, diaper changing tables, and toys that are great for families with children.
What is the meaning of Shisa's shape and posture?
Below, the main Shape and posture of Shisa I'd like to introduce_______
-
Hoya (crawling type) Shisa:
"Hoya" means "crawling" in the Okinawan language.
It is characterized by a menacing posture. It has the meaning of a talisman to ward off disasters and monsters. - Sitting Shisa: It is characterized by its dignified appearance. It is said to bring good fortune
- Tama Invitation Shisa: A figure holding a ball. Jade = said to protect family, friends and property
Type of shisa
Shisa is mainly 3 types I have.
- Miya Lion: Shisa in royal tombs, temples, and castles as a talisman, a guardian deity, and a symbol of the authority of the dynasty.
- Village lion: Shisa installed at the entrance of the village and on high ground to protect the village from evil spirits and disasters
- House lion: Shisa installed near the roof, gatepost, and entrance of the house
Shisa is a pair or single?
When you think of Shisa, many people may think of two pairs.
But actually
single shisa
There is also
There are no rules or regulations that Shisa must be displayed in pairs. It is OK even if you decorate only a single unit
.
You can freely decorate it alone or in pairs.
Is there a gender (male/female) of Shisa?
In general" Shisa with an open mouth is male "" Shisa with her mouth closed is a female There are many theories that it is said that there are many people who have seen it.
However, if you look at the Chinese lion that became the origin of Okinawa Shisa, (in the case of two pairs)
both mouths open
most of them.
Shisa is an existence that transcends gender,
It is difficult to determine gender from the shape of the mouth.
” may be said.
Do you put Shisa at the entrance in Okinawa? Placement rules and regulations
Originally
There is no particular rule or rule that "Shisa should be placed at the entrance"
.
but,
Okinawa
Then, as an amulet to prevent bad things from entering
On the roof, on the gatepost, in front of the entrance
It is said that there are many people who put it in.
There are no rules or regulations, but Recommended way to put shisa I'd like to introduce_______
-
On the gatepost:
Pottery and stone shisa that can withstand the elements. Small size due to limited space
When placing two pairs of Shisa on both sides of the gatepost:
Right → Shisa with an open mouth
Left → Shisa with closed mouth - In front of the entrance: Place Shisa facing outward
- Direction to place Shisa: There is no particular rule, but if you are concerned about the direction, it is recommended to place it in the northeast or south to prevent fires.
again, There is a theory that it is better to put them in pairs, but don't worry about it. .
The "Tomimori Stone Carving Large Lion", which has spread as a fire talisman and talisman against evil, is a single piece.
There is no rule or rule that "you have to put it in a two-pair set".
Okinawa Shisa-lion making experience popularity ranking
In Okinawa, Shisa-lion making experience and painting/coloring experience are popular is.
For those who want to do activities other than the ocean, or want to experience something other than marine sports, why not join us to make memories of your trip to Okinawa?
- 4.9
- (300 reviews and experiences)
[Let's take home the memories and souvenirs of Okinawa's No. 1 impression] ★I'm so happy! Last-minute reservations are OK ★Cancellation on the day is free, so I'm happy! Highly rated and popular restaurant [1 minute by car from Churaumi Aquarium] All seats along the main street overlooking the sea are full of smiles, and the sound of the sanshin is played in a comfortable, air-conditioned space. There are tatami rooms, diaper changing tables, and toys that are great for families with children.
- 4.9
- (14 reviews and testimonials)
An experience workshop on Kokusai Street in Okinawa! ! One in the world! You can make your own original Shisa! ! You can wait for the baking time (about 20 minutes, depending on the size) and paint it! ! The painting fee is a great service plan! Of course it is OK even if you take it home unglazed! There are many samples in different sizes and shapes in the store.
[Okinawa Naha] Shisa painting experience! Let's freely color the craftsman's handmade shisa!
- 5.0
- (7 reviews and testimonials)
An experience workshop on Kokusai Street in Okinawa! ! Unglazed Shisa for painting is handmade by craftsmen, so there is no same thing as one! Compare the faces and shapes at the store and if you find one you like, paint it freely and make it one original Shisa in the world! ! The posted plan is Chibi Shisa. Limited red tile Shisa and Daruma Shisa ¥2,000
- 4.7
- (5 reviews and testimonials)
About 10 minutes by car from Naha Airport! A 10-second walk from Kokusai-dori in Naha, Okinawa, the “Handmade Experience Workshop Tiander” offers a variety of handmade experience menus that families, couples, and friends can easily participate in. . In this plan, you can make a reservation without deciding the course! Please tell the staff the menu on the day! Reservation is for piercing price
- 4.6
- (25 reviews/testimonials)
About 10 minutes by car from Naha Airport! A 10-second walk from Kokusai-dori in Naha, Okinawa, “Handmade Experience Studio Tianda” offers a variety of handmade experience menus that families, couples, and friends can easily participate in. . In this plan, you will knead clay and make an original Shisa. ≪For reservations on the day, please contact us by phone.
[Okinawa Naha] 10 seconds on foot from Kokusai Street! A lot of kinds! "Shisa painting experience"
- 4.3
- (14 reviews and testimonials)
About 10 minutes by car from Naha Airport! A 10-second walk from Kokusai-dori in Naha, Okinawa, “Handmade Experience Studio Tianda” offers a variety of handmade experience menus that families, couples, and friends can easily participate in. . In this plan, you can paint an unglazed Shisa and finish it as an original Shisa.
- 4.4
- (7 reviews and testimonials)
You can enjoy Shisa-lion making experience while drinking a drink at the superb view sea cafe. (2,500 yen) You can also paint your own shisa with an option + 1,100 yen. (Shisa making + painting 3,600 yen) After making a three-dimensional Shisa, it will be baked in about 20 minutes and you can take it home as it is. + For painting, paint the baked Shisa as you like
【Okinawa・宮古島】海を見ながら本格陶芸体験～宮古島の土を使って自分だけのShisaを作ってみよう！
- 5.0
- (4 reviews and testimonials)
It is a plan to make only one original Shisa in the world. The instructor will carefully guide you, so people of all ages, from children to the elderly, can participate with peace of mind.
【Okinawa・今帰仁村】漆喰Shisa絵付け体験！当日お持ち帰りOK！美ら海水族館から車and7分★初心者、カップル、親子歓迎（当日朝まand予約可）
- 4.0
- (2 reviews and testimonials)
Choose a shisa made of plaster and paint it colorfully with paint. A painting course that you can enjoy easily and easily, very popular with children. Your favorite small and cute plaster shisa (small) or your favorite big and powerful plaster shisa (large) will come alive with your paints.
【Okinawa・名護市】Enjoy Koboオリジナル、職人手作りのShisaに絵付けしよう！オスとメスのペアShisaもご用意しています☆
☆Shisa絵付けは種類orサイズが様々なのand、料金変更をご理解の上、ご予約時の1,800circle以外のShisaを選ぶこともandきます(^^)※掲載している価格は漆喰Shisa小サイズandす！価格を明記していますのand、予め予算などをご検討いただけます(^^)※下記掲載価格は２名様（Shisa２匹）以上体験の場合の特別
Let's make Shisa in Okinawa!
![A group of women who enjoy Shisa-lion making experience [Maimai Shisa] Cute Shisa coloring & Shisa-lion making experience specialty store](https://img.activityjapan.com/11/13935/11000001393502_MDcy4yAN_4.jpg)
This time
Symbol of Okinawa Shisa
featured.
Even if you know Shisa, there may be many people who say, "I didn't know the history, origin, place of storage, etc.".
After learning the basic information, you may want to actually make a shisa.
By all means
Okinawa
and
Shisa making
Please challenge!
*The information in this article is current as of February 2023.
