Saisen - Offering Coins
Monetary offerings made at shrines as an expression of gratitude and petition.
Saisen are the coins offered at shrines, tossed into the offering box before prayer. While any amount is acceptable, coins with holes (5 yen) are popular because 'go-en' sounds like the word for 'connection' or 'fate.' The offering expresses gratitude and sincerity.
The offering is not payment but an expression of the heart's sincerity.
Monetary offerings symbolize the worshipper's investment of intention and gratitude.
Folk traditions