Japanese Lanterns

April 16

I am thankful for Japanese lanterns. I know this may seem a little odd but I like Japanese gardens for their aesthetics and the lanterns are an integral part of them. I have two in my back yard and have a red Japanese style bridge over a stream that I built.

Japanese lanterns date back to the sixth century when they were brought to Japan from Asia and were used to line temples and pagodas as part of the Buddhism religion. Now they are used everywhere in Japan and for fesitvals and tea ceremonies. I am in no way Buddhist and the lanterns in my yard do not have a spiritual meaning, but the lanterns in themselves have a spiritual origin. I find it interesting that the five parts of a stone Japanese lantern going from the ground up represent earth (chi-the part that sits on the ground), water (sui), fire (ka-the part that lights up), air (fu), and spirit (ku-the very top).

April 16b

lantern

lantern light the way

on this journey of life

showing the path

to places far and rife.

© rt tulley