Japan, Omihachiman - The Rite of Temizu
At all Shinto shrines in Japan, there are water-filled basins where worshippers will use to wash their hands and mouth as an act of self purification before approaching the shrine to offer prayers. This practice is unique to Japan and is followed not just at Shinto shrines but also at Buddhists temples throughout the country. The rite itself is known in Japanese as temizu and the areas where the water basins are located are known as temizuya . Wooden ladles are available at the basins for the worshippers to use to scoop up the water for temizu . In my travels around Japan over many visits to the country, the sight of a temizuya has become so common to me that I hardly take any photographs when I see one. Another reason is I usually avoid taking photographs if there are worshippers in the temizuya area because I think it is extremely rude to take photos of someone preparing to pray or praying since I personally view the act as both a private and solemn moment for the worshippe