nations during the late 19th century. can represent deities, such as Kannon and Jizō, but also more specific iconography depending on their intended purpose. These include depictions of a phallus or breasts for fertility prayers, or an octopus representing the desire to be cured of warts. Another example are sandals depicted on plaques for foot remedies. Another form of wish is for "tie-cutting"; whereas a man and woman standing beside a palm tree is interpreted as a wish for a long relationship, another plaque depicts nettles between the couple, wishing for divorce. Common symbolism also includes nettles placed beside an object one wishes to sever ties with. During wartime, depicting the same man, one in military uniform and one in civilian clothing, suggested a desire for a soldier to sever from his civilian life. For some, the same image may have been used to express a wish to avoid military service altogether. The use of text has gradually replaced the overt use of symbolism in contemporary . The rise of literacy has encouraged guests to write their own messages, which has dramatically decreased the use of distinct as a way to transmit a specific wish. Function As a ritual, the is a means to communicate wishes to both priests and the . The public nature of the , which are displayed at shrines before their ritual burning, also serves a social function for communicating to the community that an individual has made the wish. Burning the wishes helps to "symbolically liberate" the spirit of the wish into the world. In some cases, however, wishes are taken from the shrine to be hung at home, though still ritually burned in special ceremonies. See also Glossary of Shinto, for an explanation of terms concerning Japanese Shinto, Shinto art, and Shinto shrine architecture. References External links Shinto in Japan Buddhism in Japan Shinto religious objects Prayer Wood products