Untitled

A VISIT TO SOME SACRED PLACES. 245
"One is riding a hobby-horse," said Fitz.
" Somebody has
chipped off its ear. Anyhow, I would rather be a wet saint
than a dry one. It is more pleasant to be out in the sunshine
than cooped up in a temple."
They stayed in Nagoya two days, then proceeded to Miya,
and visited the Shinto temple of Atsuta, which stands in a
beautiful park of grand old trees.
Before the buildings were gateways, hung with white cur-
tains, looped apart, in order to allow the pilgrims
SHINTO SHRINE.
to see the
shrines, which were simple, barn-like structures, covered with
thick thatch. None of the people entered the edifices but con-
tented themselves with dipping their fingers in water, throwing
some money on a white cloth in front of the shrines, and in
kneeling, rubbing and clapping their hands, and saying their
prayers.
"The sacred weapon, Ktisagani-no-mitzu-rugo (grass-
cutting sword) is never exhibited," said Mr. Nambo. K It is
kept in the central building, and is
of the Shinto faith."
one of the three emblems