Ten-sasa facing sparrow in a medium circle shower curtain

The sparrow design is often paired with bamboo, as sparrows live among bamboo groves and are closely associated with it. Some believe that the sparrow was added as a supplementary design to the bamboo. However, ancient people did not consider the sparrow to be merely a supplementary design. They saw it as a divine messenger that invites gods to the yorishiro, or sacred object, which is the bamboo. This is similar to the dove associated with Hachiman Shrines or the crow associated with Kumano Shrines. The sparrow is a bird that invites or summons gods. (From 'Kamon Hyakuwa (Upper)' by Danwa Motoji) Although bamboo is not directly associated with such shrines, it is a symbol that accompanies the yorishiro as a welcoming symbol. (Same book, p.320) The name is based on 'Edo Monsho'. Note that 'Mon no Izumi' and 'Monsho Dai Shusei' list it as 'Sparrow facing sasa in a circle'.