Japanese traditions, Dosojin

In Japan, in intersections, near bridges or just on the side of the road, you may notice large rocks, inscribed or decorated with images of deities. These are called dosojin and their role is to protect the travelers and the surrounding houses against evil spirits and disasters. Because it is believed that destroying a dosojin will bring great misfortune, these rocks were protected over time and many of them are really old, covered by moss and eroded by rain and snow.

The most frequent are those representing a Jizo or a couple, man and woman, like this one photographed in Kamakura. Being also protectors of marriage, they are represented close to each other, with very happy expressions...