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3. Talismans in Okinawa
In Okinawa, you can often see talismans.
A shisâ is one type of talisman.
It is usually set on the roof.
From there it looks down at the gate and guards the house from demons and evil.
Each shisâ has a different face, and some are quite humorous.
An ishigantô is another type of talisman.
It is a stone with the word ishigantô on it.
It is often placed at the end of a street.
People believed that demons could not make a bend.
Ishigantôs have their origin in China.
There are many different stories as to the origin of this name.
In one of them, Ishi is said to be a person's name, and gantô is said to mean, "never lose."
The people of Okinawa take great care of the memory of their ancestors.
Several times a year families and relatives gather in front of their ancestors' tombs.
In April they hold a ceremony called the Shîmî.
They clean the tombs and pray to their ancestors.
Traditionally, people eat a meal together in memory of their ancestors.