aeeble

account_circleLogin

Chiayi Shrine Handwater Shed

2025-06-19
886-5-2700518
嘉義市東區公園街42號
The "Tezomi-sha" (Hand-watering House) of the Chiayi Shrine, which had been dry for nearly half a century, has been restored to its former glory with water flowing again. Located opposite the Chiayi City Historical Museum, the Chiayi Shrine was first built in 1911 during the Japanese colonial era to promote Shintoism and create a sense of imperial subjecthood. The shrine went through two relocations. The first shrine was built in 1915 and was situated to the right and front of the current Sha Ri Jing Tower. However, due to the large number of worshippers, a second shrine was built. The historic site includes the remains of the first shrine, a ceremonial vessel storehouse, Tezomi-sha (Hand-watering House), a resting area (for gatherings), a purification room, and a shrine office. The Tezomi-sha of the second Chiayi Shrine, built in 1945, is a free-standing, four-pillar courtyard building featuring an octagonal overflow basin with a stone pedestal and long-handled ladles for worshippers to wash and rinse their hands and mouths as a purification ritual. In order to protect this historic site, a water supply system was installed, and an automatic sensor was added to ensure a convenient experience. Visitors can now experience the purification ritual when visiting Japanese shrines. The restored Tezomi-sha features an explanatory sign that outlines the steps to use the facility: (1) Hold the ladle with your right hand and scoop water once (one scoop per person) to wash your left hand. (2) Switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand. (3) Switch the ladle back to your right hand and pour water into your left palm to rinse your mouth (or symbolically wet your lips). (4) Hold the ladle upright and wash the handle with the remaining water. (5) Finally, place the ladle back in its original position for the next visitor. Those who have not experienced a Japanese Tezomi-sha before can visit the Chiayi City Historical Museum to try it out. After use, please return the wooden ladle to its original position to allow the next visitor to experience the purification ritual.
Images
Ratings
Related Lists
Comments