Sacred Shrines ^ and their Devotees. 153 
should only be sold at the shrines, or by appointed agents. 
The two temples are about three miles apart in groves of 
camphor trees, which, with their dark luxuriance, impress 
the visitor very strongly. The temples are simply wooden 
structures, raised on platforms of stone. At the corner of 
one of these platforms is a dark stone, worn quite smooth 
by the continual rubbing of pilgrims, who, when in pain, 
believe that the rubbing of the part of the body which is 
suffering, against this holy stone, is quite sufficient to ensure 
relief and cure. Attached to these temples are several out- 
buildings, containing horses, and other sacred animals, 
devoted to the service of the shrines, by worshippers. The 
offerings made at these shrines, are rice, salt, water, fish, 
birds, and vegetables. After presentation of these offerings, 
the worshipper claps his hands, to attract the attention of 
the goddess, reverently bows to the ground several times, 
and then departs satisfied. Those Japanese who cannot visit 
the shrines of Ise, pray each day, with their heads bowed 
towards the place, as humbly and truly, as the old Jew 
worshipped towards Jerusalem. It should be mentioned, 
however, that though there are no religious ceremonies 
other than those described, there are temple dances per- 
formed by priests, and dancing girls, to the accompaniment 
of musical instruments. 
At the Shinto shrine of Atsuta is deposited the Sacred 
Sword, another treasured emblem of this faith. Pilgrims 
also visit this spot in large numbers, and after first washing 
the hands, offer coins or other little offerings, to the god- 
dess. The Sword treasured here, is supposed to be the 
protector of the country, and the people. It is believed 
that it is in consequence of the homage paid to this Sacred 
Sword, this weapon is so honoured in Japan. Swords were 
worn by the military, and nobles, as symbols of power and 
