An Experience of Bangle-making And Spirit Infusion At Bibai’s Sorachi Shrine

An Experience of Bangle-making And Spirit Infusion At Bibai’s Sorachi Shrine

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At the heart of Bibai City and protecting the nearby Sorachi area, lies “Sorachi Shrine”. Built in 1891, locals have come to pray here over a span of nearly 130 years.

Last year in 2016, the main shrine was renovated and made anew. The current chief priest is Hirotake Tezuka, who works full-time and became the new manager in 2011.

In the shrine, you will be able to have a special experience of making original bangles/bracelets and then having the chief priest offer a prayer to infuse them with spirits. The spirit infusion will not just leave you with a simple bracelet, but makes it become a charm. Charms are items which manifest the wishes of people, ward away evil, bring good fortune and protection, etc.
You can choose one type of prayer from six types, such as “love” and “good health”.
Choose from among 20 different natural gems your favorite colors and make your bracelet with 30 gems.
Feel at ease with the bracelet-making process as Mr. Tezuka shows you the ropes!
After about an hour, your bracelet will be finished! It will be adjusted to fit you.
Now, from here on is the main event. You will bring your completed bracelet to the shrine to have a prayer said.“Thump, thump, thump, thump…” Japanese drums play as the spirit infusion ceremony begins.The ceremony proceeds with utmost respect and regards dedicated to God.Rustles of paper are heard above the head of participants as the purification ritual begins. An “Ōnusa”, a wooden wand for rituals made of cannabis and paper, is used to ward off harm and disaster.After that, participants come forward and bow twice, clap their hands twice, and then put their hands together and pray and bow again, to pay respects.
After about 20 minutes, this part of the ceremony ends.Your bracelet charm which has been spirit-infused can be brought home on the same day.

There are many different charms for sale at Sorachi Shrine. They would make good souvenirs!Also, there is actually a “sacred tree (of love)” on the temple grounds. It’s a rare tree which has a Japanese rowan plant growing out from the intersection of its two branches. Seeking good fortune, visitors from all over the country come to see this tree.
Have an awe-inspiring, Japanese experience right now at this newly renovated shrine in a dignified atmosphere.

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