Ise
Ise [1]
(or Isje), the name of a central province of Japan, to which the religious sect of the Shiutrists requires each of its adherents to make a pilgrimage once a year, or at least once in their life. In Isje is the grand Mia or temple of Teusio-Dai-Jin, which is the model after which all the other temples are built. Isje is a place of no natural attractions. It is rather regarded as a monument of antique poverty and simplicity. The Mia where the pilgrims pay their devotions is a low wooden edifice with a flat thatched roof, and on entering nothing is to be seen but a metallic mirror, which is regarded as a symbol of the deity, and some white paper, which is considered the emblem of purity of heart. The worshippers do not presume to enter this temple, but look through a lattice window from without while they say their prayers.
