Most of Japanese houses have building tag.
It calls “Munefuda” in Japanese. Building tag is giving not only the building
information, name of the owner, designer but also the god’s name written.
In the process of building a house, there
is a ceremony when the basic structure such as columns, ridges, and beams are
completed. Finally the ridge poles are raised. It is called
"Muneage", "Tatemae". In the ceremony, there is an alter
which is decorated with a coin skewer in the center and a building tag is set
aside. Offerings (fish with head, vegetables, fruits, etc.), rice washing,
salt, and water are placed. This ceremony is managed by a master-carpenter to
pray safety of construction. After that, the tag is set up in highest purlin and
it is facing to south or east like same as many shrines. When the house is completed,
it will be hidden in the attic.
Although we can’t see the Munefuda easily,
the tag wishes for the prosperity and protecting from harm.
