Torii

 Torii '' ''

 Religion: Shinto (Japanese)

 Definition: A Japanese gate found within or outside of a Shinto shrine and other holy places in Japan. The Torii is the transition from the profane to the sacred. Some Toriis are also found within some Japanese Buddhist shrines.

 Signifance: The origins of the Torii derive form the mythology of the Sun Goddess. Concealing herself within a cave, and blocking the entrance with a boulder, the Sun Goddess had hidden herself from her annoying brother, and removing all sunlight from the country. Fearing an eternal eclipse, citizens had built a large bird perch and placed all the roosters on top. The crowing of the roosters caused the Sun Goddess to peak out of the cave, and bring sunlight back into Japan.

The Torri or bird perch became a symbol of prosperity for Japan that can be found in different sizes and located in many places including shrines and roadways.