Suzu

For other uses, see Suzu (disambiguation).

File:Japanese shrine Bell01.jpg

Suzu hanging under the eaves of a Shinto shrine

Suzu (鈴) is a round, hollow Japanese Shinto bell that contains pellets that sound when agitated. They are somewhat like a jingle bell in form, though the materials produce a coarse, rolling sound. Suzu come in many sizes, ranging from tiny ones on good luck charms (called omamori (お守り)) to large ones at shrine entrances.

Role in Shinto

At Shinto shrines, large Suzu drape over entrances, as it is said that ringing them calls kami, allowing one to acquire positive power and authority, while repelling evil. Handheld clustered Suzu, similar to jingle bells, are used musically at Shinto ceremonies.

Other references

Suzu is also a female name in Japan meaning "Bell" or "Tin". The kanji for suzu is often used to form a compound name, such as the well-known surname Suzuki, meaning "bell and tree".