Comprehensive Study of Multi-faceted Aspects of Documents Related to Shinto Shrines : based upon the analysis of extant documents handed down by old shrines

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During the fiscal 2000-2002 research period, our group conducted a study of documents related to Izumo Grand Shrine, Itsukushima Shrine, and Gion Yasaka Shrine. Previous research undertaken on the three shrines was collated and the documents for each of these shrines were indexed. Choronological tables for each shrine were also compiled for the purpose of confirming their respective histories. This basic work was followed by joint research, which yielded the following findings.We confirmed that the origins of most ancient shrines are unknown. Even in the case of Izumo Grand Shrine, for example, despite the widespread perception of the existence of the shrine owing to the myths contained in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, the earliest historical document from which we can confirm the shrine's existence is the Shinshokakuchokufusho of 765. While on the one hand there are many historical aspects that are unknown, on the other hand various types of myths and legends have tended to reinforce ce … More rtain perceptions about shrines. In this sense as well, this confirms the particular importance that multidisciplinary research into the origins of shrines will have in the future. An examination of the history of shrines in Japan shows that with the exception of shrines that managed to maintain advantageous conditions, many shrines fell into decline or were removed during the 14th Century (period of the Southern and Northern Courts) and the 16th Century (period of Warring States), to be revived later during the 17th Century. A detailed inquiry into this historical process is important. At the same time, documents in the collections of shrines that did not experience significant decline are of great historical value, with the documents of Itsukushima Shrine one example of how extremely valuable these documents are. Although it is easy to attach symbolic significance to the woods and thickets in the shrines precincts, it is certain that flora surrounding shrines changed over time. It is also important to realize that even trees that appear old are, in fact, relatively young. For instance, documents and pictures dating from the Early Modern period portray the Gion Yasaka Shrine surrounded by a forest of pine trees. Today, however, most of these trees have gone and have been replaced by other trees, with the evergreen and broadleaf camphor tree being the main variety. In conclusion, our study corroborated the importance of conducting historical and scientific research into structures such as shrines, to which it is easy to attribute special cultural significance. Less