Circle with alternating cut bamboo and sedge hat tea towel

The crest of the Sasa (bamboo grass) is used to beckon the gods. Sasa is used in rituals and dances to summon the gods. The word 'sasa' is also used as an invocation to call the gods. The 'hat' or 'kasa' represents a sacred sign or shime, indicating the presence of the gods. In ancient times, there was a group of people known as the Kasanuibe, who were skilled in making hats, a sacred profession that was closely tied to the Shinto priests. The Kasanuibe served at many shrines, including the Ise Grand Shrine, for generations. (From 'Hyakuwasaki Moncho' by Danwa Kiichi)