The Sakaki 榊 (Cleyera japonica) is a flowering evergreen tree considered sacred in Japanese culture. Today, Shinto shrines often plant it as a Sakaiki 境木, “boundary tree” to mark sanctified space.
The word Sakaki is written with the kanji 榊, which combines boku or ki 木 (tree/wood) and kami 神 (spirit/deity), reflecting its sacred significance. This connection is comparable to the concept of Shinboku 神木 “sacred tree”.
The role of the Sakaki is also documented in the Nihon Shoki “Chronicles of Japan”, c. 720 CE. According to the text, when Amaterasu Ōmikami became angry with her brother Susanoo and hid herself in the Amano-Iwato (“Rock-Cave of Heaven”), plunging the world into darkness, the other Kami-sama decorated a giant Sakaki tree among other things to entice her to emerge and restore light to the world.
Today, in Shinto ceremonies, a branch from a Sakaki tree is often decorated with Shide – strips of washi paper, silk, or cotton – and used in ceremonies to convey wishes and gratitude to the Kami-sama. This decorated branch is known as 玉串 Tamagushi.
When holding the Tamagushi you will feel the spirit of communion between yourself and Kami-sama within. When visiting a Shinto shrine, you may have the opportunity to perform Tamagushi Hairei, the act of offering Tamagushi to the enshrined Kami-sama. This is a deeply meaningful way to connect with Kami-sama and express your respect and gratitude.
Shinto Inari Kai’s VIP members attending our ceremonies can offer Tamagushi to Kami-sama.
