4 So absolutely has Shinto in Izumo monopolised the Karashishi, or stone
lions, of Buddhist origin, that it is rare in the province to find a
pair before any Buddhist temple. There is even a Shinto myth about their
introduction into Japan from India, by the Fox-God!
5 Such offerings are called Gwan-hodoki. Gwan wo hodoki, 'to make a
vow.'
6 A pilgrim whose prayer has been heard usually plants a single
nobori as a token. Sometimes you may see nobori of five colours
(goshiki),--black, yellow, red, blue, and white--of which one hundred or
one thousand have been planted by one person. But this is done only in
pursuance of some very special vow.
7 'On being asked if there were any other love charm, the Newt replied,
making a ring with two of his toes--"Only this." The sign signifies,
"Money."'
8 There are no less than eleven principal kinds of Japanese names. The
jitsumyo, or 'true name,' corresponds to our Christian name. On this
intricate and interesting topic the reader should consult Professor B.
H. Chamberlain's excellent little book, Things Japanese, pp. 250-5.
9 'That I may be wedded to Takaki-Toki, I humbly pray.--A youth of
eighteen.'
10 The gengebana (also called renge-so, and in Izumo miakobana) is an
herb planted only for fertilizing purposes. Its flowers are extremely
small, but so numerous that in their blossoming season miles of fields
are coloured by them a beautiful lilaceous blue. A gentleman who wished
to marry a joro despite the advice of his friends, was gently chided by
them with the above little verse, which, freely translated, signifies:
'Take it not into thy hand: the flowers of the gengebans are fair to
view only when left all together in the field.'