Hikawa Jinja Shrine 2 (calcareous breccia)

To the west just 50 meters from the main building of this shrine, there still remains a small pond called "Snake Pond", though it looks artificial now. Your are prohibited to go into the water. In ancient days, there were lots of swamps in this area. People might perform seasonal rituals praying for  good fishing here.

 Green leopard plants open vivid yellow flowers under the winter sunshine.

 You may have seen this straw mat bound on a pine tree. Insects dislike coldness and come under it during the winter. If not, they will make a hole and damage the tree.

Gardeners will take off this before the coming spring. 

 This is another stage for ritual dancing.

A lion sculpture on a pole looks humorous.

 STONES GATHER ROUND AND BECOME A BIG ROCK AFTER SPENDING LONG TIME ?
Rains become calcic water through small lime stones and the water can glue stones together. The long repetition of this process makes a big rock. Ancient people believed small stones came together and changed into a rock.

I wish you a Happy New Year !