Construction Materials

• Torii arches can be made of many materials, though the most common is wood. In years long past, the wood was usually bamboo since it is easily cultivated in Japan and takes up far less room than traditional trees. Today, torii arches are made from many types of wood due to market globalization. In areas frequented by visitors, foreign or otherwise, the torii gates are very often made of stone so they will hold up to the constant wear and tear of being handled by so many people. Metal and plastic torii are rarely seen.
  
  

Religious Purposes

• Torii arches traditionally pointed out that a Shinto shrine was nearby. They marked the passageway from the mundane world into the spiritual world and were often at the bottom or top of steps heading to the temple. Buddhist temples sometimes use torii arches since Buddhism has many close relations to Shinto. Torii style and size often differed between locations in Japan, but the appearance generally remained the same -- two tall pillars separated by a pathway between them. A roof sits atop these two pillars, with a smaller board beneath it stretched between the pillars.
  
  

Non-Religious Purposes

• Sometimes shop owners or other work places erect torii arches. These arches serve as a reminder for good luck, faithful Shinto practitioners or, in the case of U.S. Army Base Torii Station in Okinawa, Japan, a hope for continuing peace between the United States and Japanese militaries.
  
  

Origin of the Name

• The origin of the name is uncertain and still debated. However, the literal translation of "bird perch" has some significance. In the Shinto religion, birds are seen as the messengers of the gods. They are also honored as messengers from dead ancestors, friends and other worldly beings trying to get in touch with them. Another theory is that the word "torii" comes from the saying "tori-iru" which means "pass through and enter," like an invitation into the temple. This would make the torii gates a symbol of welcoming not only the living, but the spirits of the dead during celebrations such as Obon.