Why Japan’s Meoto Iwa Aka Wedded Rocks Is Considered A Sacred Symbol Of Love

There are many places all over the world that are considered sacred. One such place is Japan’s Meoto Iwa, the Wedded Rocks. Recently, a photo of this place went viral. Let’s take a look at the interesting story behind this sacred place in Japan. According to reports, the Wedded Rocks or Meoto Iwa are two sacred rocks in Japan and are also known as the Husband and Wife Rocks or Married Rocks. These rocks are considered a symbol of love, union between man and woman, and a happy family life. Couples consider these rocks sacred and get married in front of them. As per a report on amusingplanet.com, both of these rocks are located in the sea near the Japanese city of Futami. The large rock is 9 metres high with a circumference of approximately 40 metres. Its name is Izanagi, and it is a symbol of a husband, with a small Shinto torii gate at its peak. On the right side of this rock is a 3.6-meter-high rock named Izanami, which is about 9 metres round. It is represented as a wife.

Recently, a photo of this sacred place has been shared on the Twitter page Kaihatsu, where the two rocks are seen in the middle of the sea. “Today I’m at the Meoto Iwa, the Wedded Rocks. The rocks symbolise the Kami Izanami and Izanagi, their union, and the union of man and woman in marriage. The larger rock with the torii symbolises Izanagi, the male deity, while the smaller rock is his wife, Izanami,” reads the caption.

Both rocks are connected with ropes and are said to be married. Two rocks are linked by a Shimenawa rope, symbolising the division between the spiritual and earthly realms. This rope is made of rice stalks called shimenawa, which weighs approximately one ton and is changed three times a year in a special ceremony held in May, September, and December.

Meoto Iwa is today regarded as a pilgrimage site for marriages. People consider these rocks sacred, hold each other’s hands in front of them, and swear to stay together for the rest of their lives. Newly-married couples consider the rocks as deities and pray to them that their marriage be as strong and lasting as these two rocks. According to Shinto beliefs, the rocks celebrate the union of a man and a woman in marriage.

Seeing the religious beliefs of the rocks and the beautiful natural view around them, people come here in large numbers to visit. The best time to view the rocks is in the morning during the summer, when the sun is seen rising over them. It is a wonderful sight to behold.