Here is a short and simple article explaining tamagushi. There is more theories to their origins, and etmology theories to the word, however, what I wanted to explain here is the essence of tamagushi and it’s present meaning.
Tamagushi (玉串, translated as jewel skewer） is an ancient offering to Kami-sama, it is usually a sakaki tree branch, or at times when there is no sakaki availible, an evergreen branch such as cedar, and shide (zigzag strip of white rice paper) on top attached to the leaves. There can be larger and more elaborate tamagushi, with red and white cloth, and asa (sacred hemp fibres) tied in a ribbon on the top as well alongisde two shide.
Tamagushi
What is the meaning and symbolism of tamagushi?
Tamagushi represents our sincere hearts and spirits, which we offer to Kami-sama. The evergreen (traditionally sakaki) represents the eternal nature of our spirits and hearts, and our connection to nature/the natural world, the physical world. Sakaki, and other evergreen trees (commonly cedar, cypress — especially hinoki) is also seen as a purifying tree. The shide itself represents energy and spirit, the spiritual side of our world. Shide is commonly understood to look like lightning, which is like energy/connection to Kami-sama. Thus, it is also reflective of our own divine sparks, our spirits and connection to the spiritual world. The white of the paper as well also represents purify.
If Asa (sacred hemp fibre) and red and white cloth are also tied onto the tamagushi, they represent dressing our hearts and spirits formally to be offered sincerely to Kami-sama. Asa is commonly used to tie offerings together, and offered as sacred fibre as well. Cloth is also seen as sacred, and a precious material from the blessings of both the heavens (sun, rain, moon) and Earth (soil, growth, seasons, etc.)
Tamagushi with asa fiber ribbon and dual shide
So we have both physical and spiritual, together as a symbol of our hearts and spirits in tamagushi.
The action of offering as well is important,
When we offer tamagushi, we hold the sakaki branch with the leaves resting on our left palm, and pinching the stem in our right hand. We walk up to the offering area, and bow, raising the tamagushi to our foreheads forward.
Going back upright, we turn the tamagushi stem to our hearts, and leaves to Kami-sama. Then we turn the branch once more to the left, and then forward, so the stem will face Kami-sama, and the leaves face us. Then, we place the tamagushi on the hassouku/an/offering table, bow once more, do hairei (clap to Kami-sama) and then bow deeply again. We return to our seats after offering.
What does this action mean? It’s the symbolic action of turning the tamagushi to our hearts and spirit energy, then directing it to Kami-sama to offer. The hairei clapping is to call Kami-sama’s attention towards our offering and heart.
If you ever have a chance to offer tamagushi during ceremony, now you know the meaning!
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