Location: Kotohira-gū 金刀比羅宮, Kagawa Prefecture Size: 8 x 10 x 2cm
It located on Mount Zōzu (象頭山) visitors must climb 785 stone steps to reach the main shrine, and 1,368 steps if continuing to the inner shrine. Kotohira-gū has been a pilgrimage destination since the Edo period. People from across the country would make the long journey as a sign of devotion or in prayer for safe journeys.
It has a cross knot with it, the symmetrical structure of the cross knot symbolizes harmony and balance also meanings of “connection” and “protection.” The cross knot, as a decorative knot, may represent tightly tying together good wishes and prayers. Under the influence of Shintoism, tied ropes (shimenawa) and decorative knots are often seen as symbols of protection and warding off evil.
