- Sword (like a bronze sword, with several indentations or curves along its length)
- Jade hairpin (kanzashi?) (Two round jade pieces, with skewers inserted into both)
- Shield? (An object shaped like stacked tiles, resembling ancient artifacts)
As I arrived at the shrine, it was just the time for the priest and priestess to perform the morning prayers. While listening to them, I felt like I received these three items, holding my hands up.
I seem to have received similar items before, but the ones I received this time seem to be of higher quality.
Generally, the Three Sacred Treasures are said to be passed down to the Imperial Family, and they are the Yata no Kagami mirror, the Ama-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi sword (Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi), and the Yatsurugi-no-Magatama jewel. However, the ones I received are slightly different. I wondered why, and when I asked about it at the place where I received them, I received the following answer:
"That is because, in each place, the (unseen) deity of that land uses its own creativity to create better designs. The meaning is not that different. The basic concept is the same. What do you think of the design here? Isn't it wonderful? A hairpin (kanzashi) is more striking than a simple jade jewel. And the sword, a sword with a cross pattern in the middle is more dignified than a simple straight sword. As for the shield, it has the meaning of a mirror (reflecting one's own heart), but more importantly, it serves as a mark to proudly display one's own image, like a flag. By displaying this, those who see it can to some extent determine to which group the person holding the shield belongs."
After much thought, I have recently re-recognized that the foundation of Japanese culture is Shinto.