January 20, 2025
BuddhismQ&A
Igeta and Tachibana, Symbols of Nichiren Shu
The emblem of Nichiren Shu is designed from the name of Nichiren Shonin depicting the sun and the Lotus Flower. However, the well-known Igeta and Tachibana are another symbol representing Nichiren Shu.
Igeta is the frame of a well. Before there were modern water systems, wells were used throughout Japan. The frame was made of four pieces of wood laid out in a square, in the shape of the Chinese character “井” meaning “well.” It was placed over the mouth of the well.
Tachibana is a type of wild orange, an evergreen citrus. Its leaf and flower are used as a design for many family crests in Japan. It is said that the symbol of Nichiren Shu was adopted from the family crest of Lord Ii, a famous samurai lord in the 16th century CE.
There are stories that Nichiren Shonin was distantly related to the Ii family, but there is no proof of this. However, during the Edo Period, the Ii family were devoted followers of Nichiren Shonin’s teachings. This was why Nichiren Shu chose to use the Ii family crest as their symbol.
Another detail of the Tachibana is that it has two variations: one with a single trunk and another with a triple trunk. This is likely just a difference of style, since the reason for it is not known.
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