890

JAPAN: Meiji, 1868-1912, pewter token (3.81g), year 22 (1889). AU

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / World Coins - Asia Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:80.00 - 100.00 USD
JAPAN: Meiji, 1868-1912, pewter token (3.81g), year 22 (1889). AU
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JAPAN: Meiji, 1868-1912, pewter token (3.81g), year 22 (1889), daishido joto-shikii (ridgepole-raising ceremony) // dated Meiji 22 year, 5 month, 9 day (May 9th, 1889) on reverse, About Unc. Rice, salt and alcohol are used in the "Joto-shiki" ceremony and are sprinkled around at each corner of the building as an offering to the gods. The purpose of this ceremony is to convey thanks to the workers for their efforts to this point (upon completion of the framework), as well as pray for their safety as they climb about the roof and other dangerous heights. Traditionally it was also, as the name indicates, to celebrate the actual raising of the ridgepole (the horizontal timber traditionally set at the top of the roof where the rafters are fastened together).