sacred shimenawa ancient tree adorned with shinto rope

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Stone lanterns illuminating the Okusu camphor tree of Ueno TÃÂshÃÂ-gÃÂ« shrine at night. Royalty Free Stock Photo

Lighted up stone lanterns and the Okusu camphor tree of Ueno TÃÂshÃÂ-gÃÂ« shrine at night. Royalty Free Stock Photo

Sacred Shimenawa: Ancient Tree Adorned with Shinto Rope

This evocative image captures a massive, ancient tree trunk wrapped with a shimenawa - a sacred Shinto rope. The thick, twisted rope forms a distinctive bow shape around the tree's weathered bark. White paper streamers, known as shide, hang from the ends of the rope. This scene, likely photographed in a Japanese shrine or sacred forest, beautifully illustrates the reverence for nature in Shinto tradition. The contrast between the golden rope and the deep brown tree bark creates a striking visual, while the surrounding greenery hints at a lush forest setting. This image would be ideal for topics related to Japanese culture, Shinto religion, sacred spaces, or the intersection of nature and spirituality.