The Meaning and Creeping Loss of Holy Trees of District Shrines in the Tokyo Region

Essay , 2007 , 7 Pages , Grade: accepted for publcation

Forestry / Forestry Economics

In Japan, due to the nature-worship of the Shinto religion, single holy trees are still preserved at many shrine sites. Such trees often have an age of several hundreds of years. However, there seems to be a lack of knowledge and consciousness about their meaning and ecological demands. In order to contribute to their future preservation, this paper examines the actual and historical condition of holy trees at district shrines, and then discusses their loss and cultural significance. Although they take a high position within the shrine precinct, holy trees are gradually lost due to environmental changes and a lack of ecological knowledge.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• INTRODUCTION
• METHODS
  • Case study selection
  • Site inspections
  • Interviews with shrine priests
• RESULTS
  • The holy trees and their loss
  • The meaning and spatial position

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper examines the historical and current state of holy trees at district shrines in the Tokyo region. It aims to contribute to the future preservation of these trees by investigating their cultural significance and the factors leading to their disappearance. The study explores the relationship between holy trees and the Shinto religion, their spatial distribution, and the role of environmental changes and ecological knowledge in their loss.

• The cultural significance of holy trees in Shinto shrines
• The spatial distribution of holy trees within shrine precincts
• The factors contributing to the loss of holy trees
• The importance of ecological knowledge for the preservation of holy trees
• The role of environmental changes in the decline of holy trees

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides an overview of the significance of holy trees in Shinto shrines and introduces the research question: Is there a significant loss of holy trees, and if so, how can they be better preserved?
• METHODS: This chapter outlines the methodology used in the research, including the selection of case study sites, site inspections, and interviews with shrine priests.
• RESULTS: This chapter presents the findings of the research, focusing on the prevalence of holy trees at district shrines, the most common tree species, and evidence of tree loss. It also examines the spatial distribution of holy trees and the religious meanings associated with their placement.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This research focuses on the meaning and loss of holy trees (shinboku) at district shrines (gosha) in the Tokyo region. Key terms include Shinto religion, tree species, spatial position, cultural significance, environmental changes, and preservation. The study explores the ecological demands of holy trees, the role of shrine priests in their conservation, and the significance of preserving these trees for future generations.

• College: University of Tokyo (Forest Landscape Planning & Design - The University of Tokyo)
• Grade: accepted for publcation
• Authors: Lorenz Poggendorf (Author), Ryohei Ono (Author), Akio Shimomura (Author)
• Publication Year: 2007
• Pages: 7
• Catalog Number: V413650
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668650176
• Language: English
• Tags: Holy trees, Shinto shrines, tree species, spatial position, loss of trees, preservation