榊 · さかき · objects
sakaki
A sacred tree used in offerings.
Definition
Sakaki (Cleyera japonica) is a sacred tree in Shinto, often used in rituals for offerings and purifying the worship space. It is regarded as a symbol of life, purity, and connection to the kami. Branches of sakaki are often adorned with shide and placed on altars or offered during ceremonies, embodying reverence and seeking blessings from the deities.
Etymology
The name 'sakaki' comes from the indigenous Japanese word for this tree, which is culturally significant in Shinto practices.